JJ Redick was mentioned as a potential front-runner for the Los Angeles Lakers' head coaching opportunity before Dan Hurley was involved. Hurley ended up turning down LA's offer and ultimately stayed at UConn. Redick will now surely be linked to the position once again.
The opportunity to coach the Lakers will catch his attention. They are a historic franchise with plenty of memorable history. But is the Lakers' job a great opportunity for Redick, who already has a successful media career?
Here are two reasons why Redick must follow in Hurley's footsteps and ditch the Lakers' head coaching opportunity.
Second option
The Hurley situation was odd to an extent. Redick was seemingly the favorite, with reports even stating that he was likely to end up becoming the next head coach for the team. But then, Hurley suddenly entered the conversation and the Lakers seemingly wanted him.
The fact that a franchise could change up their approach so quickly is not a great sign. Of course, all we know are the reports and rumors so there could be more to the situation than meets the eye. From the outside looking in, though, it looks like the Lakers wanted Redick until a more experienced option surfaced.
Now that the more experienced option turned down the job, one has to wonder how Redick feels about the opportunity.
JJ Redick has made it clear that he wants to coach in the NBA. The Lakers' job does not bring much stability, something a first-time NBA coach would probably want.
LA has consistently hired and quickly moved on from coaches over the past decade. It does not take too much time for the team to decide to head in a different direction. The fact that it already happened in a sense with Hurley has to make JJ Redick think twice before accepting the position.
If the Lakers tried to go with someone else before Redick even took the gig, one can only imagine what may happen in a year or two if the Lakers fail to win a championship.
Lakers head coaching position's appeal
Rumors have recently surfaced about the true appeal of the Lakers' head coaching opportunity. Sure, coaching a franchise with so much history and having the ability to be under the brights of LA will catch candidates' attention. However, the lack of stability and questions around the current team have led some people around the NBA to question the position's appeal.
Redick does not have any professional coaching experience. He understands the game, something that is evidenced on his podcast. Of course, his impressive NBA career also adds evidence to that narrative.
But the Lakers' coaching job already comes with uncertainty. Even an experienced NBA coach may struggle in the position. As a first-time NBA head coach, it makes a lot more sense for Redick to wait and take a different position.
I am not trying to say that Redick should not become a head coach someday. He wants to take that step and there is nothing wrong with that. The only argument I'm making is that the Lakers' position is not a good fit for him at the moment.
Prediction: Will JJ Redick be the Lakers' next head coach?
It would not be surprising if LA attempted to hire Redick. Given his coaching desire, Redick may be open to discussing a deal.
The Dan Hurley situation has surely made Redick think twice about the opportunity, however. I may certainly be proven wrong, but I am going to predict that Redick will not be the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.
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