JJ Redick was already in a great spot with the Los Angeles Lakers heading into his third season as head coach, and that position only got strengthened on Wednesday. With Josh Kushner and Bob Iger purchasing the Lakers from Mark Walter's group, Redick will get to see a familiar face around.
Khobi Price reported: "Iger shared that has yet to speak to Lakers star Luka Doncic, but mentioned that he spoke with [Jeanie] Buss, as well as coach JJ Redick. The Lakers coach and Iger built a relationship while Redick played for the [Los Angeles] Clippers from 2013-17."
The Clippers connections forming within the Lakers franchise are odd, but undeniable nonetheless. Price noted that Iger has been a longtime season ticket holder for the other team in Los Angeles, crossing paths regularly with the former on-court sharpshooter turned bench boss.
Mix that familiarity in with the actual credentials that Redick has provided as a head coach, and he has to be feeling pretty comfortable in his seat despite the ownership change. Back-to-back seasons of 50-plus wins to start your career, grouped together with notable signs of improvement, plus a boss that knows and respects you? JJ has it made, and deservedly so.
JJ Redick's connection to Bob Iger sets him up comfortably amid Lakers sale
Price had another write-up on Wednesday, offering an inside look on the Lakers' surprising sale that materialized out of nowhere. The reporter noted it became apparent pretty quickly that Iger will be the person who is 'most actively involved' with the team once the sale is official.
With Walter handing over the reins, evaluations of the franchise and how it is being run are bound to happen. Iger should find contentment with who the Lakers have on the sidelines.
Beyond the personal connection between him and Redick, it should be clear that JJ has been a strong head coach in his first two years of doing the job. After a rough playoff ending to his first season, the Lakers coach reinvited faith mightily in his second.
Few coaches in the NBA are as brilliant as Redick when it comes to their ATO plays. That is one of the easiest things to point to that shows just how great the schemes have been.
Redick has also proven himself as someone who is able to adapt his team accordingly to maximize the strengths and try to limit weaknesses. The transformation of the defense last season showed that. The personnel was imperfect, but the Lakers coach managed to find a way.
Managing egos is another thing Redick showcased his capabilities with. Whether it was getting LeBron James to accept the role of third star, or knowing how to best handle Deandre Ayton, as challenging as that was sometimes, there was a clear strength there.
There are many admirable traits that allow Lakers fans to see the value in their head coach. The new team owner should have no problem finding that in his buddy either.
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