The Los Angeles Lakers are amid an intense search for their next head coach in the wake of Darvin Ham's departure. Los Angeles is examining several respected suitors, but they made headlines for reportedly offering UConn basketball head coach Dan Hurley a massive six-year contract. Hurley decided to stay with the Huskies. As a result, former NBA player-turned-analyst JJ Redick received some intriguing odds to become the Lakers' next coach.
Redick is the heavy favorite to land the job with -500 odds, per BetOnline. Los Angeles is considering several other candidates who also have enticing chances. The list includes James Borrego (+300), Sam Cassell (+900), Tyron Lue (+1600), Chris Quinn (+1600), Kenny Atkinson (+1800), and David Adelman (+1800).
JJ Redick emerged as an early favorite for the position in mid-May. Can he impress the Lakers and seal the deal?
It would interesting to see Redick at the helm of the LA's on-court strategies. The former sharpshooter already has an important connection on the team: LeBron James. James and Redick co-host a podcast called “Mind the Game” where viewers can dive into their high-IQ basketball minds.
Speaking of which, if there is one thing Redick offers at an elite level, it is his knowledge of the game. Redick has over 19 years of NBA experience and was one of the best three-point shooters in the league. In addition, he has served as a sports broadcaster breaking down various basketball angles.
His experience as a player and analyst would serve the Lakers well. However, his lack of coaching experience is a glaring concern.
Is JJ Redick the best coach for the Lakers?
The major advantage Dan Hurley had over Reddick was his extensive college basketball coaching experience. Hurley joined the UConn basketball program in 2018 and helped them remain a national force. Hurley and the Huskies are coming off two back-to-back national championships, a feat few in history have achieved.
Furthermore, UConn women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma gave an intriguing take at the time of Hurley's consideration.
“You know this is really funny because I happened to be at a thing with him [the night before news of his consideration blew up]. And I have no idea what's going on, where [his Lakers coaching candidacy is at]. But I just leaned over and said, ‘I think you could win a lot of championships with the Lakers, more so than a guy who's never coached,” Auriemma said, via the Dan Patrick Show.
Hurley is not the only one with more coaching experience than Redick. James Borrego was a head coach with the Charlotte Hornets from 2018 to 2022. Tyron Lue has nine seasons of head coaching experience split between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Clippers. Meanwhile, Kenny Atkinson was head coach of the Brooklyn Nets from 2016-2020.
JJ Redick may lack in the coaching department, but he could make up for it with his relationship-building and basketball knowledge. It will be interesting to see who Los Angeles chooses as their next team leader ahead of the 2024-25 season. Regardless of who they select, the Lakers want to compete for a title and maintain long-term success.
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