Controversial Lakers' front office voice Linda Rambis behind JJ Redick signing being paused: Report
The LA Lakers reportedly haven't offered JJ Redick their head coaching position yet. According to the latest report from Lakers insider Anthony Irwin, the signing is on hold because of Linda Rambis. Wife of former champion Kurt Rambis, Linda is a Special Projects Manager with the franchise.
However, she reportedly has a say in basketball decisions around the Lakers, per numerous reports. That hasn't been approved by many Lakers fans, considering her lack of experience within the sport, making her a controversial presence within the front office, which is under heavy scrutiny.
However, Rambis may have changed the perspective around her after she reportedly questioned Redick's potential hiring. Irwin said:
"With Jeanie Buss, Linda Rambis, Kurt Rambis, Tim Harris, and Rob Pelinka, one of those decision-makers kind of put JJ Redick on pause ... I'm told it was Linda Rambis who kinda voiced her opinion and said, 'Are we sure about this? He has no experience?'"
Redick is among multiple candidates the Lakers have considered. However, he's the only one with no coaching experience at all. Redick hasn't seen the bench as an assistant compared to his rival candidates like James Borrego, David Adelman, Micah Nori and Sam Cassell.
He's widely considered a frontrunner, though. The Lakers reportedly view him as the "next Pat Riley," who also went from a commentator to a coach and led LA's "Showtime" dynasty.
Lakers to face competition from Pistons for JJ Redick
The LA Lakers are about to face competition from the Detroit Pistons for JJ Redick. According to Yahoo Sports' Vince Goodwill, the Pistons, who fired Monty Williams on Wednesday, are eyeing Redick as his replacement. The Pistons' Vice Chairman Arn Tellem, was the coaching candidate's agent during his active years as a player.
The Lakers will have to move fast, with the draft around the corner. They wanted a coach by then, but it seems like they are still doing their due diligence. With Monty Williams hitting the market, the Lakers are being pushed to sign him instead of Redick because of his experience and success with the Phoenix Suns.
However, there have been no reports yet of LA showing interest in pursuing Williams. James Borrego is another candidate the Lakers showed interest in amid their coaching search, who is also getting significant interest from teams like the Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Lakers need to make their decision soon as they could be left with a choice they weren't so convinced with before, especially with primary targets like JJ Redick and James Borrego being eyed by other teams.