JJ Redick front-runner to be podcast mate LeBron James and Lakers’ head coach, Insider reveals

JJ Redick has no prior coaching experience, but is revered as one of the best basketball minds in the league.

JJ Redick front-runner to be podcast mate LeBron James and Lakers’ head coach, Insider reveals

JJ Redick has emerged as the front-runner to become podcast mate LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers' next head coach

LeBron James is waiting to see who becomes the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. The team needs someone who can make the big calls, not get overwhelmed, and adjust as per the needs of the team. After all, there is only one goal for both of them. Win an NBA title.

Despite several names having been thrown into the ring, it seems James’ podcast mate JJ Redick is the front-runner. Jovan Buha is an Insider with the Athletic who on his podcast suggested that there are three names in the running.

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JJ Redick, James Borrego and Sam Cassell have emerged as the three leading head coaching targets. Right now, Los Angeles is looking for a coach who can grow with the franchise for years to come, placing a premium on maximizing Davis’ greatness, the current returning players and the element of high-level player development. I believe JJ Redick is slightly ahead of the field.
Johan Buha said on his YouTube channel

Former Charlotte Hornets head coach and current New Orleans Pelicans associate HC James Borrego also emerged as a target considering his ability to develop younger players. Something the Lakers are looking at post the LeBron James era.

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Former NBA Champion and current Boston Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell is the third name on the list. However, JJ Redick seems to be at the head of the pack. His knack for understanding the game and analyzing has been evident. Both from his podcast as well as his game-calling days.

LeBron James’ former teammate thinks JJ Redick might have to deal with a tough locker room

James’ former championship teammate Udonis Haslem had a different take on Redick being the next Lakers’ head coach.

If it’s JJ, it's going to be a cynical locker room. You're gonna see guys that are gonna say, 'Coach going to do a podcast after the game with LeBron'. You're gonna have a cynical locker room with guys that are gonna side eye everything JJ says. Cause they gonna wonder, is it JJ's message or LeBron's message.
Udonis Haslem said on yesterday’s broadcast of NBA on ESPN

Haslem played with LeBron James for four years. He knows how the all-time leading scorer is as a leader.

He kind of insinuated that considering Redick’s relationship with James, there will always be a doubt running around in the locker room. Therefore, it could lead to more disharmony than actual chemistry. Had Redick and the four-time champion did not create a podcast together and were just seen as two athletes who have tremendous respect for each other, this might not have been the case.

Only time will tell how everything pans out. JJ Redick could become the next Los Angeles Lakers head coach. A job that has the most pressure of any team in the basketball world. Subsequently, he will have to deliver if he wants to stay as head coach.

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