"His fingerprints are all over"- Skip Bayless refuses to accept LeBron James isn't involved in Lakers' JJ Redick pursuit
The LA Lakers seem to be nearing the appointment of a new head coach following their decision to part ways with Darvin Ham after being eliminated in the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs. Tyronn Lue, who was reportedly being considered for the Lakers' head coaching position, is no longer available after agreeing to a new deal with the LA Clippers.
This development seems to pave the way for another former player to potentially take on the role. JJ Redick is reportedly the preferred candidate to take over the Lakers this offseason after the team was reportedly interested in James Borrego, Kenny Atkinson and Sam Cassell.
Analyst Skip Bayless believes that LeBron James has played a role in the potential signing of Redick.
"I know that Rich Paul (LeBron James' agent) keeps saying that LeBron has nothing to do with any of this process," Bayless said. "I'm sorry, his fingerprints are all over JJ [Redick]. There's no way JJ is even a candidate for this job if LeBron didn't bless him to start with. And then it's like, 'Well you go ahead and make the choice.'"
He also explained why LeBron James would feel this way about JJ Redick, noting that the former sharpshooter has a huge knowledge of basketball.
"He is really good at talking basketball because they talk basketball at a very deep, high level on their podcast. And I'm sure Bron has been extremely impressed with his knowledge, and I think it's very difficult to impress LeBron James with your basketball knowledge," Bayless added.
If the Lakers were to sign Redick, this would be his first coaching experience at the highest level.
Skip Bayless warns about potential 'disastrous' Lakers tenure for JJ Redick
While Bayless admitted that LeBron has blessed Redick to enter the race for this job, he adds that this can potentially harm the retired guard as he starts his coaching career.
"I just don't know. I said it before, this feels disastrous for JJ. There's some scorpions in that front office too It's not a long walk in the park there," Bayless said.
This job has never been easy since the Lakers are the most famous franchise in the NBA and whoever goes there, expectations are nothing short of an NBA title.
With two stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Redick will have the same pressure, something that worries Bayless and more people like Carmelo Anthony or Channing Frye.