The Lakers introduce JJ Redick as their own new choice for head coach this afternoon at the organization’s headquarters in El Segundo.
Although a novice to professional coaching, Redick has had a 15-year NBA playing career, as well as success in media roles as an ESPN broadcaster and podcast host.
The 39-year-old played for the Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans and the Dallas Mavericks. He played college basketball at Duke University.
Redick was shortlisted for the Lakers head coaching role for successor Darvin Ham, who was fired on May 3, four days after the Lakers lost in the first round of the playoffs.
After UConn men’s basketball coach Dan Hurley rejected the Lakers’ offerthe organization chose Redick.
In a recent social media post on
Johnson complimented Redick’s playing skills and his high basketball IQ. “If he can bring the way he played professionally to the Lakers, this could work! But will his transition from star basketball player to head coach end up like Steve Kerr, Jason Kidd, Ty Lue or Doc Rivers or the former NBA players?” became coaches who were not successful?,” Johnson wrote.
Redick already has a connection with the Lakers, as he and LeBron James co-host the “Mind the Game” podcast. The ninth episode was released two weeks ago, where the two delivered an hour-long preview of the NBA Finals.
A pioneer of podcasting, Redick became the second active player with a podcast in 2016, after NFL linebacker AJ Hawk.
Redick will serve as the organization’s seventh head coach since the legendary Phil Jackson retired in 2011.
The introductory press conference will take place at 1:30 p.m. at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo and will be streamed live on CBS News Los Angeles and KCAL Channel 9.
