The Los Angeles Lakers have hired former NBA player and current ESPN analyst JJ Redick as the franchise’s new head coach, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Reportedly, Redick will ink a four-year deal that comes with an $8 million annual salary with the Lakers. Redick has already started establishing its staff and intends to surround himself with experienced assistants, considering he has no previous coaching experience in the league.
The Lakers previously made an aggressive bid to lure Uconn’s Dan Hurley to the NBA, reportedly being ready to make him one of the highest-paid head coaches in the league. After the two-time NCAA champion rejected their offer, the LA team zeroed in on Redick, who was initially one of their top targets after Darvin Ham was fired following a disappointing first-round exit in the 2024 NBA playoffs.
Despite Redick’s lack of experience, the Lakers are reportedly optimistic about his chances of succeeding in the NBA. The franchise’s brass was particularly impressed with his basketball IQ, working ethics, and ability to connect with players, and they viewed him as a “Pat Riley-like coaching prospect,” according to sources who spoke to The Athletic.
Redick will be now tasked to make the best of superstar LeBron James’ final years as a pro while also leading the transition towards making Anthony Davis the face of the franchise. The Lakers also expect him to help their younger players like Max Christie and Austin Reaves to find new levels to their game.
Redick, a former first-round pick in 2006 out of Duke, played for 15 years in the NBA while suiting up for the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers, and Philadelphia 76ers, among other teams. He retired after 2021 and has since been working as an NBA analyst for ESPN.
