JJ Redick, the 17-time NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers’ new head coach, was presented by the team on Monday. He is now the twenty-ninth coach in Los Angeles Lakers history to sit on the bench.
Lead by General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka, Redick made it apparent during the press conference at his official introduction as the new Lakers coach that he is aware of the challenge and expectations placed on him in accepting the role. He said,
“I know what the expectations are… Lakers fans are the most passionate in the entire world… and the expectations are a championship… That’s what I signed up for,”. “I want to coach the Lakers. I want to coach the team. I don’t want to dissipate anything. I do not do it. I want to become a great coach in the NBA and I want to win championships. And I want my players to maximize their careers. That’s all I care about,”
“I really don’t give a f–k.”
JJ Redick on misconceptions he’s looking forward to eliminating as HC pic.twitter.com/QnxC4oi1Wn
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 24, 2024
Following the dismissal of Darvin Ham and the rejection of UConn coach Dan Hurley, the Lakers chose to assign the position to 39-year-old Redick.
JJ Redick doesn’t give a damn about what people think
JJ Redick accepted the pressure of winning the championship with the Lakers right away. The newly appointed Los Angeles coach took criticism for not having the necessary expertise to lead the team. He said,
“It’s a valid question and I certainly heard everything it’s been a really interesting six weeks or so, just in terms of being part of the engagement farming industry, however I don’t have a great answer to your question because I really don’t give a f*ck, honestly, I want to coach the Lakers, I want to coach the team, I don’t want to dispel anything, I don’t, I wanna become a great coach in the NBA and I want to win a championship,”
JJ Reddick in his playing days
After spending fifteen years as an NBA player, Redick is currently building his coaching staff. Although he did declare his podcasting days are finished, the now-coach will direct LeBron James when he joins the Lakers project. The two have been working together on a podcast in recent months.
“Sitting in this seat, I know what the expectations are… the expectation is a championship… that’s what I signed up for.”
– JJ Redick, new Head Coach of the Los Angeles Lakers pic.twitter.com/MzGp8p2Ehx
— NBA (@NBA) June 24, 2024
