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Writer's pictureDonald Hamilton

Los Angeles Lakers Hire JJ Redick As Head Coach: Is It The Right Choice?


Los Angeles Lakers Hire JJ Redick as Head Coach

It came as no surprise to those in the NBA world as it was announced today that the legendary franchise Los Angeles Lakers hired JJ Redick: Former Duke star, NBA player, and color commentator to a four-year deal worth up to $8 million a season, which would be $32 million in total according to Sports Illustrated.


Redick has been in rumors to become the Lakers' next head coach for quite some time since they fired Darvin Ham on May 3. Redick’s ties to become the next head coach were in play considering he has a big-time podcast called “Mind The Game” alongside LeBron James where they break down NBA tactics, history, and so forth on the show.



The chemistry was apparent on the show between the two which is a major positive as he embarks on this journey and the Lakers' other star Anthony Davis was a big advocate for the Redick signing.


Taking the Lakers head coaching job is the highest-pressure coaching job in the NBA… It’s harsh, and high stakes, with intensified media coverage criticizing your every move during late-game situations and in big games.


Just ask the previous seven coaches the Lakers have had since Phil Jackson left in 2011 (Mike Brown, Bernie Bickerstaff, Mike D’Antoni, Byron Scott, Luke Walton, Frank Vogel, Darvin Ham) how daunting, stressful, and unfair criticism of the job as no coach has lasted longer than three seasons since Jackson's departure in 2011.



That lack of stability probably led to the Lakers' forefront leader for the position in UConn Huskie Men’s Basketball Coach Dan Hurley turning down their 6yr/$70 million offer to become the coach.


 From a lack of stability to being a two-time defending national champion head coach and the basketball community he’s built in Connecticut, to his family, it’d be hard-pressed to leave, especially when it wasn’t the money he wanted.



In the end, Redick’s signing could probably lead to James choosing to re-sign with the team as his co-host on Mind The Game will be at the helm courtside.


Now will Redick and James continue their podcast together? Will Redick continue his own? Was he the right option with more experienced coaches in James Borrego and recently fired Monty Williams on the market?


Those questions have yet to be answered but... It should be another enthralling season in Hollywood once again.


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