NBA
What has JJ Redick said about becoming Lakers head coach? When could he be appointed?
Redick could end up coaching NBA icon LeBron James, his co-host on the “Mind The Game” podcast.
JJ Redick is reported to be the front-runner to replace Darvin Ham as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, which would offer a hugely interesting dynamic if his “Mind The Game” podcast co-host LeBron James stays with the Californians for an optional final year.
Redick wanted by NBA teams after successful media career
Redick has become one of the faces of NBA media since retiring from playing in 2021 and is rumoured to be on the cusp of his first of taking his first coaching job on the back of a successful career as a pundit, broadcaster and podcaster.
The 39-year-old’s analytical skills while working for ESPN have previously caught the eye of the Toronto Raptors and the Charlotte Hornets, who interviewed him for head coaching positions, as well as the Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla, who revealed he tried to sign Redick as an assistant coach last year.
But is looks as if it will be the Lakers, one of the most demanding franchises in the NBA, who will be giving the former shooting guard his first opportunity on the sideline, as claimed by The Athletic’s NBA insider Shams Charania.
JJ Redick’s comments on Lakers head coach speculation
Speaking to Mike Golic and Mike Golic Jr of the “GoJo and Golic” podcast, Redick kept his cards close to his chest regarding the reports, but did hint that some news could be forthcoming “once the season is over”.
“I would say this. My focus right now is on calling the NBA Finals. I am so fortunate that I’m in this position and I get to call these finals. My day-to-day right now is consumed with calling games, the 19 different podcasts I feel like I have, my obligations to all of our partners. So my focus is on the NBA Finals, I will say that.
“In terms of Shams, that will be addressed once the season is over, I’ll just say that.”
It appeared as if Redick would leave things there, suggesting he would speak about the Lakers link once the NBA Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics are finished. However, he then tagged on an extra layer of mystery, almost as an afterthought.
“Hold on, I don’t mean any job. I mean Shams…after the season. We’ll wait on that one.”
In any case, if Redick is to be confirmed as the Lakers’ new coach, we shouldn’t expected it to happen before the end of the Mavs-Celtics series. Game 1 begins on Thursday (6 June), with a possible game 7 scheduled for Monday 17 June. If either team completes a sweep, the season will be over by the end of play on Friday 14 June.