Is Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss happy with JJ Redick as the new head coach?
The Lakers have a new coach, but by some accounts, it’s not the man that the franchise’s owner wanted. Will that affect things moving forward?
Following a very public flirtation with UConn’s coach, a man even LeBron James admitted he loved, the Lakers were ultimately rejected by the Huskies’ legend. Indeed, Dan Hurley appears to have prioritized the hunt for a historic three-peat in the collegiate game, over helping the LA-based outfit regain their footing.
Jeanie Buss wanted Dan Hurley as head coach
According to reports, Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss was “genuinely disappointed” that the franchise failed in its attempt to hire UConn Huskies head coach Dan Hurley as its next head coach. As you will know, Hurley attended an interview with the Lakers earlier this month but ultimately declined to accept what would have been a six-year, $70 million contract.
It is understood that only Buss and Lakers GM Rob Pelinka were present for the meeting with Hurley and his wife at the Lakers’ facility on June 7th, with Buss reportedly being “highly motivated” to hire Hurley as the team’s next coach. In the wake of Hurley’s rejection, the Lakers then returned to JJ Redick, the man previously linked with the job before reports of interest in Hurley surfaced. If you caught our previous report, you will know that Redick was officially signed as the Lakers’ new coach on Thursday.
The first-time coach reportedly put pen to paper on a four-year contract that will see him earn more than $8 million per season while working alongside the man he co-hosts a podcast with, Lakers star LeBron James. As per reports, it was Redick’s demonstration of his basketball IQ throughout the interview process, his experience on television, and his two podcasts (one of which he works alongside James) that were the major selling points for general manager Rob Pelinka. Further to that, the front office has the belief that Redick’s lack of experience can be compensated for by his ability to connect with players, as well as the use of elite assistant coaches. To that end, they hope to reduce the time it takes him to find a rhythm.