New Lakers coach JJ Redick, who has no prior coaching experience, says his time as player.

New Lakers coach JJ Redick, who has no prior coaching experience, says his time as player, analyst and podcaster has him prepared
JJ Redick, a former NBA shooting guard with no prior coaching experience, was officially introduced as the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, coinciding with his 40th birthday. Redick steps into the role following the dismissal of Darvin Ham, who was let go in May after completing two seasons with the team.
In his introductory press conference, Redick addressed his unconventional path to coaching, acknowledging his lack of formal coaching experience but underscoring his extensive background in basketball. "I have zero coaching experience in the NBA, but I would argue that I’m very experienced and it started 22 years ago when I went to Duke and I got to play for Coach K (Mike Krzyzewski) for four years, spent 15 years as a (NBA) player,” he stated.
Since retiring as a player, Redick has spent the past three years as a podcaster and ESPN analyst, roles he believes have been instrumental in preparing him for this coaching opportunity. “Being able to connect with the players, talking to them on the podcast, being in coaching interviews with ESPN calling games, analyzing the game in three different formats. All of that has helped prepare me to be an NBA head coach,” Redick explained.
Redick enjoyed a 15-year career in the NBA, playing for six different teams before transitioning to a media role with ESPN in 2021. His straightforward demeanor was evident when he addressed potential skepticism about his qualifications. When asked if he had encountered any misconceptions or concerns about his candidacy, Redick was candid. “It’s a valid question, and I’ve certainly heard everything. … However, I don’t really have a great answer for your question because I really don’t give a f**k. Like honestly,” he said. “I want to coach the Lakers. I want to coach the team. I don’t want to dispel anything… I want to become a great coach in the NBA.”
Lakers Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka, who was responsible for hiring Redick, emphasized that Redick was always a top contender for the position. “It was very evident that he had a unique perspective and philosophy on basketball and how it’s to be taught,” Pelinka noted. He also pointed out that he and Redick share a similar basketball philosophy, characterized by high-level strategy, effective communication with players, and a strong emphasis on player development.
Looking ahead, Redick indicated his strategic vision for the Lakers, particularly concerning star forward LeBron James. He suggested that James, who shot over 40% from beyond the arc this season, could benefit from taking more three-point shots. However, Redick emphasized the importance of having a conversation with James to ensure mutual understanding and buy-in. “You have to certainly get buy-in and talk to him about how he wants to play,” Redick said. “It’s really just figuring out in the half court, putting him in different spots both as a scorer and a facilitator.”
Redick’s connection with James extends beyond the court, as they co-host a basketball podcast. However, it remains uncertain whether Redick will have the opportunity to coach James, who has the option to continue with the Lakers or explore other opportunities in the next five days. James has remained non-committal about his future, focusing on spending time with his family before making any decisions.
In addition to James, Redick sees nine-time All-Star center Anthony Davis as a crucial component of the team’s future success. Redick has already discussed his ideas for utilizing Davis on both ends of the court. “I think both of us felt really comfortable going forward with that sort of as the base starting point of how he’s gonna play on this team,” Redick said.
Redick’s hiring follows the Lakers' unsuccessful attempt to recruit University of Connecticut men’s basketball head coach Dan Hurley, who opted to remain with the Huskies to pursue a third consecutive national title. Despite offering Hurley a substantial six-year, $70 million contract, the Lakers had to pivot to other candidates. Redick was unfazed by this, expressing admiration for Hurley’s achievements. “At no point was my ego or feelings hurt or bruised in any way,” he said. “Dan Hurley is a two-time national champion at UConn. I am a two-time 55 Swiss league champion in the 3rd and 4th grade division - like, I understood.”
The Lakers, who were eliminated from the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets in five games last season, currently hold the 17th selection in Thursday’s 2024 NBA Draft. This draft pick, along with Redick’s fresh coaching perspective, represents a new chapter for the storied franchise as they seek to return to championship contention.

[@rhscubadiver4379]

I hope he takes orders from the players well.