The Los Angeles Lakers made perhaps the most surprising decision of the 2024 NBA offseason. It ultimately became the expected hiring after weeks of speculation and rumors, but Los Angeles' decision to name JJ Redick the team's head coach was something few saw coming before the wheels began to turn.
Much has been said about the decision to make Redick a first-year head coach, but not quite as much has been revealed about the true intention behind the hiring.
Redick has never coached above the youth level, making this one of the most shocking hirings in NBA history. He has, however, become one of the top analysts in basketball, with an impressive attention to detail and a teaching-oriented approach that some believe can help him communicate his strategies to a locker room.
In an interview on Petros And Money of LA AM570 Sports, Buss clarified that hiring Redick was a decision the Lakers made with the development of their young players in mind.
"We wanted to kind of think a different way. Really, he's got a vision. I'm not comfortable talking about the basketball stuff, but we were looking for a candidate that would bring something different and really invest in developing young players. JJ is the right person for us. Again, I just want to work to really speak for itself, so I don't want to hype it and say it's gonna be a home run. We have to give him time to establish what he wants to establish."
It's no secret that Redick is looking to emphasize player development, but it's nonetheless compelling to hear Buss confirm the reason for his hiring.
Lakers hired JJ Redick to better emphasize player development
Redick recently put together a coaching staff that stresses the importance of the youth movement in Los Angeles. That includes the addition of former player development coach Lindsey Harding, who previously coached Redick with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has also spoken openly about the importance of helping young players realize their potential during the 2024-25 season and beyond.
It's a stunning shift in priorities from an organization that's disregarded the value of sustainability in roster construction. It's easy to justify the Anthony Davis trade, which saw Los Angeles send Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and three first-round draft picks to the New Orleans Pelicans.
It's not quite as easy to defend the Lakers shipping out first-round draft picks for Dennis Schröder and Russell Westbrook.
Los Angeles seems to be moving away from that strategy in an offseason that's been defined by inactivity. Rather than parting with draft picks and young players for veterans, Redick and the Lakers are playing the long game.
With that approach, Los Angeles has positioned players such as Max Christie, Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Dalton Knecht, and Austin Reaves as key figures.
It's possible that a trade could still occur, but the organization appears to be of the mind that blowing up the team is less conducive to its success than previous approaches might suggest. As such, Los Angeles has positioned itself to consistently compete—if not outright contend.
It's now up to Redick and his staff to prove that they're up to the job and can complement good intentions with the necessary results.