7 Lakers head coach candidates to replace Darvin Ham
By Tyler Watts
2. J.J. Redick
Hiring a head coach with zero experience is risky. Redick has never been an assistant. He has talked about coaching his son’s youth team, but that is the extent of his experience. The 15-year NBA veteran was an elite shooter with a high basketball IQ. He started podcasting during his playing days and made the full-time move to broadcasting after retiring.
Fans can hear Redick calling games on ESPN. He even started a podcast with LeBron James called Mind the Game. Redick is always breaking down plays and trying to educate people watching the games. His basketball knowledge is why teams believe he will be a fantastic coach.
Redick would love to get back into the league. He interviewed for the Raptor's head coaching opening last year and just had a meeting for the Hornets' vacant position. The 39-year-old wants get into that side of things, and his podcast co-host may use his leverage to make it happen for the Lakers.
There is no questioning J.J. Redick’s basketball IQ, but how would he adjust to the nuances of being a head coach? The Los Angeles Lakers want to win immediately and may opt for a veteran leader with championship experience.