The Los Angeles Lakers have appointed JJ Redick as their new head coach.
Sources confirmed to ESPN and The Associated Press that the 39-year-old has signed a four-year contract for his first coaching role with the team. The decision came after interviews conducted over the weekend and into this week.
Redick emerged as the top choice after reports that UConn coach Dan Hurley turned down a lucrative offer. Lakers vice president and general manager Rob Pelinka ultimately selected Redick for his expertise in the sport, ability to connect with players, and potential to excel with the support of the coaching staff.
Despite his lack of coaching experience, Redick faces a significant challenge leading one of the NBA’s most successful teams and potentially guiding LeBron James, one of the greatest players of all time, as he contemplates his future in the league.
Redick and James are already business partners, co-hosting a podcast together, but the impact of this new coaching relationship on their dynamic and James’ decision to continue playing remains uncertain. James must make a decision on his player option by June 29.
Redick retired from playing in 2021 after a successful career in college and the NBA, followed by a stint as an on-air analyst. He now adds coaching to his resume with the Lakers.
His hiring comes after the Lakers parted ways with Darvin Ham, marking the team’s fourth coach since James joined in 2018 and eighth since the departure of legendary coach Phil Jackson in 2011.
