Adrian Wojnarowski, the Los Angeles Lakers have made a pivotal decision, reportedly agreeing to a four-year contract with JJ Redick to appoint him as their next head coach. This marks a significant shift for Redick, who spent 15 years as an NBA player and is now embarking on a coaching career.
Sources indicated that Redick engaged in discussions with Lakers vice president and general manager Rob Pelinka and owner Jeanie Buss over the weekend to explore the coaching opportunity. These talks progressed throughout the week, culminating in Pelinka extending the coaching offer to Redick on Thursday morning.
Sources indicated that Redick engaged in discussions with Lakers vice president and general manager Rob Pelinka and owner Jeanie Buss over the weekend to explore the coaching opportunity. These talks progressed throughout the week, culminating in Pelinka extending the coaching offer to Redick on Thursday morning.
Pelinka was notably impressed by Redick’s ability to connect with players and his astute basketball acumen. He is confident that surrounding Redick with a high-caliber coaching staff will facilitate a smooth transition into his inaugural coaching role.
According to one insider, “Pelinka was convinced of Redick’s knack for relating to players and his basketball IQ. He believes that assembling a top-tier coaching team will accelerate Redick’s adjustment to his first coaching stint.”
Redick emerged as the primary candidate for the coaching position following the Lakers’ unsuccessful pursuit of Connecticut coach Dan Hurley. Despite offering Hurley a substantial six-year, $70 million contract, which he declined last week, Pelinka remained steadfast in seeking a coaching staff committed to developing young talents such as Max Christie, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura.
Of particular note is Redick’s existing rapport with Lakers superstar LeBron James, with whom he co-hosts a basketball podcast. This pre-existing relationship could potentially play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s chemistry moving forward.
