Hiring JJ Redick: Lakers Choosing Option with Most Variance

JJ Redick set to become Lakers head coach, leading LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Risky move for aging team's championship hopes.

According to reports, JJ Redick is poised to take on the role of head coach for the Los Angeles Lakers. This news was first reported by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Despite his lack of coaching experience at the professional level, Redick will now be responsible for leading a team in Los Angeles that boasts star players LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Following his retirement from the NBA in 2021, Redick has focused on building his media career. He has hosted successful podcasts, including one with James, and has been a regular contributor on ESPN's sports talk shows. Redick even reached the top broadcast team at ESPN, covering the 2024 NBA Finals alongside Mike Breen and Doris Burke.

While Redick's media experience may not seem like traditional coaching qualifications, we have seen former players take this path before becoming successful head coaches, as seen with Steve Kerr. The decision to hire Redick may be seen as a risky move for the Lakers, especially considering their current championship window is closing rapidly.

With James entering his 22nd NBA season and Davis facing challenges with his shooting, the Lakers' core players are not showing the same level of dominance as in previous seasons. The team is also facing salary cap constraints and a lack of tradeable assets, making it difficult to improve the roster.

Despite the odds stacked against them, the Lakers are hoping that Redick will bring fresh ideas and energy to the organization. While there are no guarantees of success, the move represents a bold attempt to maximize the potential of the James-Davis duo. By introducing some variability into the equation, the Lakers are aiming to remain competitive in a tough Western Conference.

Redick's transition to coaching may not be easy, but his track record of success in high-pressure situations suggests he may be up for the challenge. The Lakers are taking a calculated risk with this hire, aiming for a higher ceiling with the hope of returning to championship contention in the near future.