JJ Redick ‘agrees to become Lakers coach’: LeBron James’ podcast co-host ‘plans to sign four-year deal after LA failed to lure Dan Hurley from UConn with $70 million offer’
JJ Redick has reportedly agreed to become the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.
The former Clippers star plans to sign a four-year deal, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Redick was rumored to be a candidate ever since Lakers GM Rob Pelinka fired coach Darvin Ham following LA’s first-round exit from the playoffs. The 39-year-old has been working as one of ESPN’s lead NBA analysts, and he co-hosts a podcast with Lakers star LeBron James.
The Lakers tried to lure Dan Hurley away from Connecticut but the reigning NCAA champion coach declined the team’s reported $70 million offer. Redick will make $8 million per season with the Lakers, The Athletic is reporting.
Lakers spokespeople did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com’s request for confirmation.
JJ Redick has reportedly agreed to become the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers
Savannah and LeBron James attend a June 15 WNBA game between the Aces and Liberty
The Athletic’s Shams Charania previously reported that Redick was considered the favorite to land the Lakers job despite his inexperience.
Redick recently interviewed for the Lakers position, following interviews with Charlotte Hornets assistant James Borrego, Boston Celtics assistant Sam Cassell and Denver Nuggets assistant David Adelman, according to ESPN.
Redick’s proximity to James (they co-host the ‘Mind the Game’ podcast) appeared to put him in good position for the job, although Charania reported that the four-time MVP was uninvolved in the hiring process.
Of course, James’ own future in LA is somewhat clouded.
He’s under contract, but has a player option for the 2024-25 season, giving him the right to become a free agent this summer.
James has also expressed an interest in playing with son, Bronny, who is in next week’s NBA Draft and is expected to go in the second round. Bronny, a former USC guard, has worked out for the Lakers and Suns.
Redick’s resume is certainly on the lighter side among NBA coaches, although that doesn’t necessarily spell doom for the Lakers faithful.
For instance, Steve Kerr had never coached in the NBA before guiding the Golden State Warriors to the 2015 championship.
While Redick schemes around Anthony Davis (right), Pelinka will try to retain James (left)
And like Kerr, Redick made a name for himself in the NBA as an extraordinary shooter and hard-nosed competitor before becoming an announcer.
For that matter, legendary Lakers coach Pat Riley was also an announcer when he was hired as an assistant on Paul Westhead’s staff in 1979. Riley would ultimately replace Westhead and guide the Lakers to four NBA titles.
According to ESPN, Pelinka likes Redick for his comradery with players and his basketball IQ.
Redick is expected to assemble a coaching staff to prioritize the development of younger players such as Max Christie and Austin Reaves.
There is also an expectation that Redick will focus his offensive and defensive schemes around Anthony Davis, the oft-injured center who has long said he prefers to play power forward.
