JJ Redick signs multiyear deal with Lakers to replace Darvin Ham as head coach: Report
NBA veteran JJ Redick has reportedly agreed to a four-year deal to take over as the coach of the LA Lakers following the departure of Darvin Ham. According to a report from longtime NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, Redick received an offer from Lakers GM Rob Pelinka on Thursday morning. Since then, he has already begun assembling his coaching staff.
So far, the LA Lakers and Redick have yet to confirm the news, however, it's no secret that the NBA vet has been a frontrunner to land the job in recent weeks. On the heels of Dan Hurley declining the Lakers' offer, many felt as though it was only a matter of time before the job was offered to Redick.
Despite the latest news, there has been some conflicting information regarding the team’s coaching search in recent days. Reports had indicated that James Borrego had emerged as a potential candidate, however, once the Pistons’ decided to part ways with Monty Williams, some fans theorized that he could take over for Ham.
On Tuesday afternoon, Shams Charania appeared on the Pat McAfee Show to discuss the latest on LA's coaching search. At the time, he revealed that there was no agreement in place for JJ Redick to take over as coach of the franchise.
Despite the uncertainty, as many fans and analysts have predicted for several weeks now, JJ Redick is now reportedly set to take the reins in LA.
Looking at what JJ Redick's hiring means for the LA Lakers
The Lakers' decision to hire JJ Redick as Darvin Ham’s replacement will have an interesting impact on the team’s offseason. For example, LeBron James has until Jun. 29 to decide whether he will opt into the final year of his contract with LA, or decline his player option and hit free agency.
At the same time, D’Angelo Russell is also mulling over his future with the team as he decides whether or not he will be opting into the final year of his contract. While the expectation had been that Russell would opt out in search of a bigger deal elsewhere. Given JJ Redick’s hiring, it’s unclear whether his plans have changed.
In addition, while the latest news may mark the end of the LA Lakers’ coaching search, this story has just begun. Considering LeBron James is in the twilight years of his career, Redick won’t have much time to get his feet wet as the team is considered to be in win-now mode. This, of course, will create quite a bit of pressure for the 15-year NBA veteran as he looks to transition into a coaching role and guide the Lakers to a deep playoff run next season.
Considering Redick and James' Mind The Game podcast, the dynamic between the two is sure to make for some interesting storylines this season. At the same time, it will also be interesting to see whether or not the pair continue the podcast through the upcoming season as player and coach, or decide to call it quits.
After a rollercoaster of a 2023-24 season, the upcoming year is sure to be a fascinating one in LA.