Lakers take next step in coaching search, host JJ Redick for formal interview 

Redick's potential hiring would be a gamble for the team.

Lakers take next step in coaching search, host JJ Redick for formal interview 

JJ Redick

The Los Angeles Lakers have taken a significant step in their search for a new head coach by hosting JJ Redick for a formal interview according to LA Times Dan Woike. Redick, a former player and current broadcaster, has been a frontrunner for the position and has had multiple conversations with general manager Rob Pelinka since the firing of Darvin Ham.

The Lakers have also spoken with other candidates, including James Borrego and Dan Hurley, but Redick’s interview marks an important development in the search process. While the team doesn’t necessarily need to hire a coach before the NBA draft, there are significant roster decisions that need to be made, including the possibility of trading up to three first-round picks.

Redick’s candidacy has been met with some skepticism, as he has no meaningful coaching experience at any level. However, he is regarded as a highly analytical thinker with a bright basketball mind, and his playing experience and knowledge of the game could be valuable assets to the team.

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Despite internal pushback, the Lakers have been conducting an open and wide-ranging search, and Redick’s potential hiring would be a gamble for the team. However, his success as a player and his knowledge of the game could work in his favor for the position. 

Carmelo Anthony backs JJ Redick as the next Lakers coach

The Los Angeles Lakers are nearing a decision on their next head coach, with JJ Redick emerging as a strong contender. While many have doubts about Redick’s ability to coach, given his lack of experience, former Lakers player Carmelo Anthony believes he could be a smart choice. 

Anthony notes that the Lakers may be entering a rebuilding phase, with LeBron James potentially leaving soon and not involved in the search, and Redick’s youth and basketball IQ could make him a good fit to build around Anthony Davis. Anthony acknowledged that coaching James, widely considered the best player in the world, would be a significant challenge for Redick.

If I'm the Lakers then I'm going, okay, I don't know how much longer LeBron is going to be here…we got AD [Anthony Davis] to kind of build around….so if this is the overall, the big picture, why not go get somebody like a JJ Redick who's young that can rebuild – you’re going to be in rebuild mode…the standards in LA are so high that I don't even think they know…who to put in that seat.
Carmelo Anthony said on the 7PM in Brooklyn podcast
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The Lakers’ search for a head coach has been ongoing for some time, with various candidates emerging and receding. While it’s still unclear who will ultimately get the job, JJ Redick appears to be the frontrunner.

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