Shaquille O’Neal calls ‘BS’ on JJ Redick claiming LeBron James was not involved in head coach hiring

New Lakers head coach JJ Redick co-hosted a podcast with LeBron James for sometime.

Shaquille O’Neal calls ‘BS’ on JJ Redick claiming LeBron James was not involved in head coach hiring

Shaquille O'Neal calls 'BS' on JJ Redick claiming LeBron James was not involved in Los Angeles Lakers head coach hiring

For all the weeks leading up to the hiring of JJ Redick as the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, the one remark everyone had was that this had LeBron James‘ footprints all over it. However, during the introductory press conference, Redick denied that he had spoken to the all-time leading scorer about the job up until he was confirmed.

However, former Lakers superstar has Shaquille O’Neal called cap on it. The host of The Big Podcast with Shaq, Adam Lefkoe, asked the former league MVP if he believed what JJ Redick said in the press conference.

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Yeah, I’m starting a website called yeahright/bulls**t.com. Everything goes through LeBron. And I know that for a fact. Because when you're in that position, as leadership, you get to know everything. So, I was in that seat for a long time. Nothing went without my permission. The only time something went down without my permission is when they cut my head and traded me... Nobody believes that.
Shaquille O’Neal said scratching his head

To put a stop to the notion, he used his own example from back in the day. He was with the Lakers for 8 seasons, but had the power to influence decisions. Therefore, it is unfathomable to think that LeBron James had nothing to do with the hiring. After all, James holds more than the power O’Neal had with the franchise. The team’s income is hugely influenced by the 4-time champion.

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Therefore, Shaquille O’Neal believes that it was just a professional way of denying it. Everything must have been signed off by James for the team to work on.

JJ Redick has to fill out roster with players to complement LeBron James

In any franchise, the GM and head coach work together to sign players for their team. In the case of the Los Angeles Lakers, JJ Redick will have to figure out the exact players who can help LeBron James make the most of his final years in the league. With him probably staying for another 3 years, the time is not only limited but crucial concerning his advancing age.

The 4-time Finals MVP needs players who can space out the floor and score. He will also need players to take on defensive assignments, something the soon-to-be 40-year-old cannot afford to spend his energy on. The goal is to keep him fresh until the playoffs. They have signed Dalton Knecht and Bronny James. But the buck should not stop there.

LeBron James cannot afford to play 35 minutes per game like he did this past season. If Redick and Rob Pelinka can work their magic, they could come away with players without the need to blow up their cap space or draft capital.

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