JJ Redick [L] and LeBron James [R] (Image source Getty Images)
According to recent reports by Shams Charania, an NBA insider and analyst for The Athletic, JJ Redick is the frontrunner for the Lakers’ head coach opening.
Charania made this statement on Friday at The Pat McAfee Show.
He mentioned that Redick met with the Lakers last week, making him the first person the team has directly interviewed for the position.
“I’m told last week that the Lakers met with JJ Redick in Chicago at the draft combine.
They met for an extended period of time to really get to know him and spend time with him. He was the first candidate to really do a face-to-face meeting.” Charania said.
Redick is the most suitable candidate, according to Charania
Charania mentioned that Redick is the best candidate for the Lakers’ head coaching position. He also stated that Redick would be available for the next five to six years.
“Right now, my sense is that JJ Redick is the guy around the league that everyone believes is the front-runner for this job.
He’s in position. There’s an infatuation with JJ Redick not just in terms of his ability for right now but also being a coach that the Lakers can have for years and years to come.
That’s obviously someone who is young enough in the industry, young enough in the space where you feel like you have a four, five, six-year runway with a guy like JJ Redick.” Charania added.
During his college and professional career, Redick was known for his exceptional three-point and free-throw shooting.
He has played 15 seasons in the NBA for various teams, including the Orlando Magic (seven seasons), the Los Angeles Clippers (four seasons), the Philadelphia 76ers (two years), the New Orleans Pelicans (two years), the Milwaukee Bucks (five months), and the Dallas Mavericks (seven months).
Redick has never been a coach, although he is known for having excellent basketball skills. LeBron James, the Lakers star, co-hosts Redick’s ‘Mind the Game’ podcast.
Redick has great chemistry with King James, as we have seen them discussing various topics on his podcast.
King James was comfortable with Redick. Recently, on Redick’s “Mind the Game” podcast, James discussed the Lakers’ early elimination from the playoffs.
In addition, during another episode of the same podcast, James and Redick discussed the WNBA debut of the Indiana Fever star player Caitlin Clark.
