JJ Reddick, Duke University's all-time leading scorer and sharpshooter who retired after 15 years in the NBA, is the frontrunner to become the Los Angeles Lakers' next head coach, according to multiple reports in recent days.
Related: Two Duke legends involved in Lakers' head coaching search?
And that's not to the taste of some: After all, the 39-year-old, whose popularity has recently taken to new heights through a stellar career in ABC/ESPN broadcasting and his well-received Mind the Game podcast venture with Lakers superstar LeBron James, has no coaching experience beyond leading his grade-school-aged sons' rec team.
On Sunday morning, Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times delivered a harsh critique of the candidate. The following is an excerpt from his column, “Lakers and Redick is a game made out of Looney Tunes.”
“Los Angeles LeBrons appear to be nearing groundbreaking hire of bench boss with only one legitimate qualification. JJ Redick has a podcast with LeBron James, so he'll be the next Lakers head coach.” End of resume. Redick's selection, which virtually every expert considers him to be the top choice, makes sense in every syllable. It’s fading.”
– Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times
Admittedly, JJ Redick wouldn't be the most traditional choice. But since his retirement three years ago, the once widely hated Blue Devil has become one of the game's most respected analysts.
There is no doubt that his presence will create new excitement in Los Angeles and could help sway LeBron James, also 39, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, to remain with the Lakers.
“If J.J. [Redick], it would be a cynical locker room. ” 😳 @ThisIsUD Regarding the Lakers' search for a head coach. pic.twitter.com/ufJZbJjrma
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 14, 2024
The 2023-24 Los Angeles Lakers, who went 47-35 before being eliminated in the first round of the NBA Playoffs under recently fired head coach Darvin Hamm, will be returning to reserve forwards Cam Reddish and Harry. It's worth noting that they used two former Duke basketball players named Giles.
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