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 contract ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Redick was rumored to be a candidate since Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka fired coach Darvin Ham after LA exited the playoffs in the first round. The 39-year-old has worked as one of ESPN’s top NBA analysts and 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 turned down the team’s reported $70 million offer.
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 WNBA game between the Aces and Liberty on June 15
Shams Charania of the Athletic 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) seemed to put him in a good position for the job, although Charania reported that the four-time MVP was not involved in the hiring process.
Of course, James’ own future in LA is somewhat clouded.
He is under contract, but has a player option for the 2024/25 season, which gives him the right to become a free agent this summer.
James has also expressed interest in playing with son, Bronny, who will enter next week’s NBA Draft and is expected to go in the second round. Bronny, a former USC guard, has coached for the Lakers and Suns.
Redick’s resume is certainly on the lighter side among NBA coaches, though that doesn’t necessarily spell doom for the Lakers faithful.
Steve Kerr, for example, had never coached in the NBA before leading the Golden State Warriors to the 2015 championship.
While Redick makes plans around Anthony Davis (right), Pelinka will try to keep James (left)
And like Kerr, Redick made a name for himself in the NBA as an exceptional shooter and tough competitor before becoming a broadcaster.
By the way, 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 eventually replace Westhead and lead the Lakers to four NBA titles.
According to ESPN, Pelinka likes Redick for his camaraderie with players and his basketball IQ.
Redick is expected to build a coaching staff to prioritize the development of younger players such as Max Christie and Austin Reaves.
Redick is also expected to center his offensive and defensive plans around Anthony Davis, the oft-injured center who has long said he prefers to play power forward.