In a move that surprised many in the basketball world, the Los Angeles Lakers have decided to bring on NBA veteran JJ Redick as their head coach for the upcoming 2024-25 season. This decision came after their initial choice, UConn head coach Dan Hurley, turned down their offer.
The Lakers’ owner, Jeanie Buss, spoke about the decision to hire Redick, emphasizing the importance of letting his work speak for itself. She mentioned that while they have had high hopes for past coaches like Luke Walton, Frank Vogel, and Darvin Ham, they believe Redick has something special to offer.
“It’s not about hyping it up and saying it’s a sure thing,” Buss explained. “We need to give him the time to establish his vision and make his mark on the team.”
Redick, known for his shooting prowess during his playing days, has assembled a strong coaching staff to support him in his new role. With names like Nate McMillan, Scott Brooks, and Lindsey Harding on board, Buss is confident that Redick will have the experience and guidance he needs to succeed.
One of the main reasons the Lakers were drawn to Redick was his reputation for player development. Already, the team is seeing positive results from his leadership. Reports from the Los Angeles Times indicate that the voluntary team workouts led by Redick have been more intense and focused on live gameplay than in previous years.
In fact, young players like Jalen Hood-Schifino and Maxwell Lewis have stood out during these workouts, earning praise for their performance. It seems that Redick’s emphasis on developing talent is already making an impact on the team.
As the Lakers gear up for the new season under their new head coach, all eyes will be on Redick and his coaching staff to see if their approach will pay dividends on the court. With a mix of experience, talent, and a fresh perspective, the Lakers are hoping that this new era under Redick’s leadership will bring success to the storied franchise.