The Los Angeles Lakers have appointed JJ Redick as their new head coach.
Sources informed ESPN and The Associated Press that the 39-year-old has been signed to a four-year contract after undergoing interviews over the weekend and into this week.
Redick emerged as the leading candidate for the coaching position after UConn coach Dan Hurley turned down a lucrative offer last week. Lakers vice president and general manager Rob Pelinka felt confident in Redick’s potential to excel in the role due to his expertise in the sport, his ability to connect with players, and the support he will receive from the coaching staff.
Despite lacking coaching experience, Redick faces a significant challenge as he takes on the responsibility of leading a highly successful NBA team, potentially with LeBron James, one of the greatest players of all time, who is contemplating his future in the league.
Redick and James already have a business partnership through their podcast collaboration, “Mind the Game,” which began two months ago. It remains to be seen how this dynamic may evolve and whether it will influence James’ decision on returning for another season. James must make a choice on his player option by June 29.
After retiring from playing basketball in 2021, Redick transitioned to become an on-air analyst, predominantly working with ESPN on NBA broadcasts. He has also been involved in various podcasts, including his own production, “The Old Man and the Three,” launched under ThreeFourTwo Productions.
Redick’s hiring follows the dismissal of Darvin Ham as the Lakers’ head coach, marking the team’s fourth coaching change since James joined in 2018 and the eighth since Phil Jackson’s departure in 2011.
