The Lakers coach is the same age as LeBron, who arrived in the NBA three years after the King’s debut.
Artemy Berstenev June 21, 2024, 08:00 Moscow time Audio version: Your browser does not support the audio element.
Analyst and podcast host JJ Redick finally received an offer from the Lakers.
The Lakers made a fateful decision that could radically change the trajectory of the legendary franchise for years to come. The club signed JJ Redick to a four-year contract and named him head coach. This event was not a surprise. JJ Redick, who became famous in the NBA as a reliable scorer, played 15 seasons from 2006 to 2021. He has strong ties to Los Angeles, as he spent four seasons with the Clippers. Redick recently worked as an analyst for ESPN and co-hosted a podcast with LeBron James. Although James was not actively involved in the search for a new coach, his relationship with Redick certainly had an impact on the club’s decision.
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Redick, who turns 40 next week, is a perfect fit for the Lakers’ needs for a new head coach, as expert Shams Charania noted. At the club he is compared to the young Pat Riley, who, after finishing his playing career, also began his professional career from the commentary box and then moved to the coaching bridge. The Lakers believe Redick can become their version of Erik Spoelstra or Steve Kerr, a philosophical coach who will grow with the franchise for more than a decade. Notably, Redick was considered a favorite to become Lakers head coach following the firing of Darwin Ham last month after the team finished in the first round of the playoffs. However, he only had a formal interview last weekend and received the job offer last night.
The situation becomes especially poignant when you consider that Redick was drafted three years after LeBron James and will now become the coach of LeBron’s team in Los Angeles. In 2003, LeBron was Cleveland’s first overall draft pick, while Redick was Orlando’s 11th overall pick in 2006. By that time, LeBron was already a two-time All-Star and two-time All-Star. -NBA star. In Redick’s rookie season, LeBron led the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals. Redick spent 15 seasons in the league before retiring to become the Lakers’ coach, while LeBron continues his playing career.
JJ Redick trying to defend against LeBron James, 2019
Photo: Chris Graythen/Getty Images
This will be LeBron James’ ninth head coach in his 21-year career. Notably, this is the fourth time in the last ten years that he will play with a coach with no previous experience as an NBA head coach. These were the results in the first seasons with these coaches:
David Blatt – lost in the final (2015). Tyronn Lue – won the final (2016). Darwin Ham – lost in conference final (2023).
Redick joins a host of famous first-time coaches including Jason Kidd (Brooklyn, 2013/2014 season), Mark Jackson (God State, 2011/2012 season), Doc Rivers (Orlando, 1999/2000 season) and Larry Bird (Indiana, season 1997/1998). It was previously reported that the Lakers offered a six-year, $70 million contract to Connecticut head coach Dan Hurley, who won back-to-back NCAA championships with the Huskies. However, Hurley rejected the offer and is close to signing a long-term deal with the university. Redick will earn around $8 million per season on his four-year contract.
Now that the head coaching search is complete, the Lakers will turn their attention to the draft, trade market and free agency to bolster their roster heading into the 2024-25 season. The most significant figure among the potential free agents is LeBron James himself, who has a player option valued at $51.4 million for next season.
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