Black coaches take issue with LeBron James podcasting with JJ Redick, reveals insider
JJ Redick has emerged as a front-runner for the HC position at the Lakers.
LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith
Stephen A. Smith revealed on ‘First Take’ that several Black NBA coaches were offended by LeBron James’ decision to start a podcast with JJ Redick during the season. They felt the timing was inappropriate and hurtful to then-Los Angeles Lakers coach Darvin Ham, who was already under pressure.
Smith clarified that no one blames JJ Redick for participating in the podcast, but the timing was perceived as problematic. The podcast’s launch in March coincided with increased scrutiny of Ham’s performance, leading to speculation about its impact on the coaching staff’s stability.
What I can tell you is this: numerous coaches, Black coaches, called me expressing how they took issue with that podcast taking place. Some of them felt very salty about that. We certainly are not blaming JJ Reddick.Stephen A. Smith said on ESPN’s First Take
The podcast’s success was overshadowed by the Lakers’ struggles and Ham’s eventual firing after a disappointing playoff exit. Stephen A. Smith questioned the timing of the podcast, given LeBron’s reputation for being strategic and aware of optics.
The controversy has led to speculation about JJ Redick’s potential candidacy for the Lakers’ coaching job, which has been vacant since Ham’s departure. Redick has emerged as a front-runner for the position, further fueling the debate about the podcast’s impact on the team and its coaching staff.
LeBron James’ podcast with JJ Redick raises eyebrows amid LA Lakers coaching search
Stephen A. Smith believes LeBron James was involved in Darvin Ham’s dismissal as LA Lakers coach, despite reports suggesting otherwise. Smith points to the coincidental launch of James’ podcast with JJ Redick, “Mind the Game”, during a time when Ham was under fire due to the team’s struggles.
The Lakers get eliminated, and LeBron James and JJ do their podcast? There's no problem. This summer starts, they're doing their podcast? There's no problem. Darvin Ham was on the hot seat. And that's when LeBron James, in the middle of the season, decides to do a podcast with a brilliant, cerebral basketball mind.Stephen A. Smith on ESPN’s First Take
The team has attempted to recruit other candidates, including UConn coach Dan Hurley, but Redick is still seen as the front-runner for the job.
According to Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times, Redick has been interviewed for the Lakers job. Smith questions the timing of their podcast a couple of times already, suggesting it was inappropriate and potentially harmful to Ham’s tenure.
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Ubong Archibong
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