ESPN news: Lakers finalised a deal with the 15-Year NBA Veteran new coach set to make it official this week
The Los Angeles Lakers have once again decided to start over with a new coaching staff, and among the leading contenders, one well-known name has surfaced.
That name belongs to J.J. Reddick, a broadcaster and commentator for ESPN now working in the NBA for 15 years. He also co-hosts the recently launched podcast “Mind the Game” alongside LeBron James of the Lakers. That information was first revealed by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on the Saturday, May 11th episode of “NBA Countdown” on ABC.
It seems that they will be intensifying their hunt this week. The Lakers front staff, led by General Manager Rob Pelinka, will be in Chicago for the league’s draft combine. You should anticipate them to begin requesting authorization to speak with assistant coaches and other league officials, according to Wojnarowski. However, one person that the Lakers have been focusing on in their preliminary investigation is J.J. Reddick, our ESPN colleague. There’s no denying that the Lakers are interested in him. To find out more about him, they’ve been phoning a lot. However, be prepared for a thorough and drawn-out search.
J.J. Reddick’s Promising NBA Career Supports His Application for Head Coaching Position with the Lakers
During his fifteen years in the league, Reddick played for the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and New Orleans Pelicans, among other teams, for several years. The shooting guard also spent time on the rosters of the Dallas Mavericks (2020–21) and Milwaukee Bucks (2012–13).
According to Basketball Reference, Reddick left the league with career averages of 12.8 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists per game after retiring after the 2020–21 season. During his career, he made five 3-pointers per night at a rate of 41.5%.
Reddick averaged 25.5 minutes per game as a part-time starter (started 488 of 940 career NBA games), helping teams that were generally successful and frequently made it to the postseason. Reddick was a member of the 2009 Magic team that advanced to the NBA Finals against the Lakers after defeating LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers 4-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals. Reddick came the closest to winning a championship when Los Angeles defeated Orlando in five games.
J.J. Reddick is Being Seriously Considered by the Charlotte Hornets for the Head Coaching Position This Cycle
When it comes to L.A.’s hunt, Reddick’s professional—and perhaps personal—relationship with James should work in his favor. His reputation as an accomplished and long-serving NBA player will also help him a great deal.
Reddick is just roughly six months older than James, having not turned forty until June. Nonetheless, the team might view Reddick’s age as more of a plus than a negative because it should enable him to relate to and establish connections with younger players in the locker room.
Reddick was interviewed by the Charlotte Hornets for their head coaching position, and afterward, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that Reddick was a “serious candidate” for the position.
Charles Lee, a 39-year-old assistant coach for the Boston Celtics, was ultimately hired by Charlotte to lead the company. Reddick’s candidacy should, nevertheless, be strengthened by the Hornets’ contemplation of him elsewhere, particularly with the Lakers.
