According to league and media industry insiders who spoke with The Athletic, the Los Angeles Lakers are narrowing in on JJ Redick as their top candidate to take over as head coach.
JJ Reddick in his playing days
League sources stated that the Lakers are still in the process of interviewing potential head coaches, and that no decision has been made yet. However, all the signs point to Redick being their top pick right now.
Redick, 39, a former NBA player renowned for his accuracy in the field, has never had a coaching post above the juvenile division. Nonetheless, he is a strong contender for the position due to his wealth of playing experience and in-depth knowledge of the game.
Are the Lakers going to decide on JJ Redick?
Brian Windhorst stated on his podcast, Brian Windhorst & the Hoop Collective, that he had heard the Lakers are “not close” to selecting a new head coach. He does note, though, that JJ Redick seems to be the clear favorite still.
Windhorst said, “There is information out there otherwise involving JJ Redick. I will tell you my information is scattered. I have some people saying this is JJ Redick’s job that I trust,” . “James Borrego has had multiple meetings with the Lakers. I think he’s a viable candidate for sure, but I think JJ Redick is a very strong candidate.”
Redick is the front-runner, according to further reports as well. Though Windhorst may disagree, other experts think the Lakers are closer to making a trade. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Lakers are currently “zeroing in” on Redick.
The Los Angeles Lakers are zeroing in on JJ Redick as the frontrunner for franchise’s next head coach, league and industry sources say.
Developing story at @TheAthletic: https://t.co/PqVJt8OBjs
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 4, 2024
The Lakers are reportedly “infatuated” with Redick, according to sources cited in Charania’s story. They think he has the ability “to be their head man for now and the long-term, as someone who will command the locker room and hold players accountable, as well as tirelessly gameplan and provide a level of structure and organization.”
What has prevented the Lakers from making a deal with Redick, if they truly feel this way about him? Windhorst thinks Redick’s refusal to join the Lakers coaching staff is due to his commitments to ESPN, namely his coverage of the NBA Finals. Redick might take over the position very soon when the NBA Finals conclude. But if that’s the case, the Lakers have already decided what to do.
