JJ Redick Appointed Head Coach of the Los Angeles Lakers: A New Chapter Begins.
In a significant move this week, the Los Angeles Lakers announced JJ Redick, former NBA sharpshooter and ESPN analyst, as their new head coach, making him the 29th person to lead the prestigious franchise.
At a press conference with GM Rob Pelinka at the Lakers’ practice facility, Redick humorously acknowledged his surprising ascent to this role, surrounded by team staff, reporters, and some future players. “I have never coached in the NBA before,” he said with a mix of humor and sincerity. “It begins with a commitment to serve—the players, the Lakers organization, and our fans. It’s about embracing competition and excellence, fostering teamwork, and leading by example. These are the principles that drive me,” he added.
Redick signed a four-year contract with the Lakers last Thursday. Despite retiring in 2021 after a 15-year NBA career with six teams and transitioning to a lead analyst position at ESPN—culminating in his coverage of the 2024 NBA Finals—his official coaching experience is limited to volunteering with youth teams. Nevertheless, Redick is confident that his extensive basketball knowledge, engaging personality, strong coaching staff, and innovative approach will help him overcome this experience gap.
Expressing his amazement at the situation, Redick emphasized the seriousness of his new role. “This process has been surreal. I approach this opportunity with the utmost seriousness. The Lakers have a passionate global fan base, and they expect nothing less than a championship. That’s exactly what I aim to deliver,” he affirmed.
Interestingly, Redick co-hosts the podcast “Mind the Game” with Lakers superstar LeBron James, known for its deep dives into basketball strategy and player motivation. However, he mentioned that he will pause the podcast as he takes on his coaching responsibilities. “For now—and I hope it’s for a long time—I’m stepping back from the content world. There will be no podcasts until I find a break in my busy schedule,” he stated.
Redick takes over after Darvin Ham’s departure in May, following a two-season stint that included two playoff appearances, a trip to the 2023 Western Conference Finals, and an In-Season Tournament victory. After a disappointing 47-35 season and an early playoff exit against the Denver Nuggets, the Lakers are counting on Redick to rejuvenate the team, particularly with LeBron, who is just six months older than him, on the roster.
