BTN News: The Lakers on Friday ended what had been somewhat of a two-month-long open-ended segment, naming Redick, 26, as the franchise’s new head coach. The announcement signals the end of what was a remarkable 15-year NBA running for Redick as one of the best three-point shooters of his era. Even in his post-playing days, Redick has stayed around the game with some gigs with ESPN and a top-tier podcast that brings on Lakers star LeBron James as a guest occasionally.
One of the all-time Lakers greats, Magic Johnson, had this to say about Redick’s hiring on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday evening. That had Johnson somewhat optimistic, somewhat cautious about Redick when it came to filling in for the departed Crawley at nickel back.
The Opinion of Magic Johnson on Redick being Hired
I am cautiously optimistic that this new hire is a match made in heaven for both the Lakers and JJ Redick. I loved him as a player — lights out shooting, unlimited range, IQ for days, love for the game, and ultimate elite level competitor. Unfortunately, if he can transfer his professional play to the Lakers this could word! But will his move from star player to head coach pan out like Steve Kerr, Jason Kidd, Ty Lue and Doc Rivers— or with the ex-NBA players-turned-coaches who did not make it?
The Next Chapter: Redick the Coach
Redick had a career change over the last few months, as his new role with the Lakers is his first head coaching position on any level. Redick has been incredibly insightful in his media work and no one doubts he has the brains to implement a successful coaching philosophy, but executing it is another thing entirely.
The Lakers’ Challenges to Come
Additionally, as Johnson pointed out, the Lakers’ front office has something of an uphill battle. You picked a head coach, that was the first step. If we want to take on all those powerhouse teams in the West like the Nuggets, Timberwolves, Mavericks, Suns, Thunder, Spurs, and the Clippers,(and that is NOT a joke), Rob Pelinka has got to improve the roster even BIGGER than naming JJ Redick as our Head Coach,” Johnson said.
Redick’s Potential Impact
Redick would bring a different perspective and unique energy to the Lakers. With a defined basketball IQ thanks to his cerebral style and by-any-means-necessary drive to win, Redick could become the next former player to find success on the bench. But the pressure is on, and the expectations were certainly elevated for both Redick and eventually the Lakers.
Conclusion
While the Lakers get ready for training camp and this coming season, all eyes will be on Redick and how he adjusts to his new, sort of second-hand lifestyle. So much of that will be determined if/when he can lead a team, and the efficiency with which Rosas and his front office constructs a roster with a reasonable expectation of winning. The Lakers are going to have a cupcake schedule over the next few weeks, but with the powerhouse teams looking so strong in the West, their journey under Redick’s leadership is going to be an interesting subplot.