NBA legend weighs in on "key" challenges for JJ Redick to prove himself as Lakers head coach: "Then I know if he's a great head coach"

The Los Angeles Lakers are set to kick off their first season with JJ Redick as their head coach. The Lakers hired Redick in June after moving on from Darvin Ham in May 2024 after just two seasons.

Lakers legend Magic Johnson offered his thoughts on Redick's hiring and how the first-year head coach can succeed early in an appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel Show on Thursday.

"It's hard to go from where he was to the coach. Remember, he was criticizing guys; now he's got to come and coach these guys that are in the NBA and in that locker room. He's a very intelligent man, I'll give him that. He's smart, he knows the game frontwards and backwards, also, analytics-wise he's really intelligent too."

Magic Johnson gave JJ Redick props, going on to discuss what he'd like to see from Redick in his first year.

"Can that transfer to the court? Can he get the guys to play the way he wants them to play? Have a great system on both ends, offense and defense, and can he make adjustments within the game? That's going to be the key for me. Then I'll know if he's a great coach."

Johnson offered some insight on Redick as a former Lakers coach in his own regard. The five-time NBA champion had jokes regarding his lackluster tenure as the head coach of the Lakers, telling Jimmy Kimmel, "Oh don't bring that up."

JJ Redick reveals Lakers starting lineup ahead of 2024-25 NBA season

JJ Redick spoke with NBA Insider Zach Lowe on his podcast, The Lowe Post, revealing his starting lineup for the start of the Lakers' 2024-25 campaign.

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"Yeah, it'll be the lineup that went 23-10 last year."

The lineup features DeAngelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. This group makes the Lakers a threat offensively with strong shooting ability from point guard through center and offers versatility throughout the lineup.

Key role players such as Jarred Vanderbilt, Christian Wood and Cam Reddish headline the second unit.

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