The Los Angeles Lakers named JJ Redick as the head coach of the team over the offseason.
Despite their strong pursuit of the former NBA sharpshooter, many people close to the basketball mind advised him against taking the gig in Los Angeles.
“From when Redick first talked about the position with (Rob) Pelinka during the NBA draft combine in May, to officially becoming a Lakers candidate along with New Orleans assistant James Borrego and UConn coach Dan Hurley, several people close to Redick told him it would be a bad idea to take it,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported on Monday.
“You're already doing so well in media, they said. Just wait and other opportunities will arise, he heard. Hey, someone is going to have to replace Gregg Popovich in San Antonio at some point, you could be the guy to coach Victor Wembanyama they reasoned. Have you paid attention to the Lakers lately? They're a circus, was the refrain.”
Despite the caution to refrain from accepting the Lakers' offer, Redick claimed his competitive itch led to him coming back to the game he loved. The former ESPN sports analyst was announced as the team’s head coach in June and has spent the last several months alongside Pelinka building the roster ahead of the season.
Nonetheless, the 40-year-old has a great opportunity in front of him. Redick’s advanced knowledge of the game, his growing relationship with LeBron James, and 15 years of playing experience bode well for the young coach to find success.
However, the first-year coach enters the season with a healthy mix of critics who don’t believe he earned the job, as well as individuals who think he’s built to run a basketball team.
Now, he’ll have the opportunity to prove the doubters wrong and put this historic franchise back on top.
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