The frenzy has officially started. Fans are getting their first glimpse of what should be a hyper-scrutinized offseason for the Los Angeles Lakers following the organization's decision to hire JJ Redick as its new head coach. With Dan Hurley deciding to stay at the University of Connecticut, there was little doubt that this move would eventually come to fruition.
Redick is a sensible fit for multiple reasons, his ability to break down the modern game and relationship with LeBron James being among them. But his inexperience will naturally worry some people. Magic Johnson, who was none too happy watching the Boston Celtics surpass his beloved Lakers for their record-setting 18th championship, is hoping for the best.
“I’m cautiously optimistic that this new hire is a success for both the Lakers and JJ [Redick],” the NBA legend posted on X hours after the news became official. “I enjoyed watching him as a player – great 3-point shooting, high basketball IQ, passion for the game, and mental and physical toughness. If he can bring how he played professionally to the Lakers – this could work out!”
The now-former ESPN commentator posted a magnificent 41.5 three-point-shooting percentage across his 15 seasons. He also played for a couple of high-profile coaches in Doc Rivers and Stan Van Gundy, both of whom have worked in the broadcast booth in the same capacity as Redick.
Although Steve Kerr found dynastic success after trading in the headset for the clipboard, it is certainly risky to hire a HC who has never manned the sidelines before. Johnson points out as much.
“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 turned coaches who weren’t successful?” he said.
What side of history will Lakers, JJ Redick be on?
Magic Johnson interestingly omitted former rival Larry Bird from the first category (1998 Coach of the Year) and did not directly name himself in the second (5-11 in his brief stint with Lakers in 1994). Relax, this is not intended to be the battleground of another Lakers-Celtics war. No LA fan has to be riled up until Boston's championship parade commences on Friday.
Bringing focus back to Johnson's question, rookie head coaches are clearly a gamble. While they can and do sometimes flourish, much can depend on the set of circumstances the individuals are dealt. Look no further than Jason Kidd.
The Hall of Fame point guard underwhelmed in the early years of his coaching career with both the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks before finding his groove with the Dallas Mavericks. In between those pitfalls and triumphs, he spent two years as an assistant coach for the Lakers, which included the title-winning 2019-20 campaign.
Redick is looking to find the same magical formula with LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the rest of this squad. Commanding respect and building trust will be of the utmost importance during the 2024-25 season. Though, general manager Rob Pelinka must also ensure that his new coach has a fair chance to thrive in Los Angeles.
Johnson knows that it will likely not matter who the head coach of the Lakers is if the front office does not acquire the right personnel to help the team contend for another title.
Lakers move forward in key offseason
“Naming a head coach was just the first step,” the five-time champion said. “Even bigger than naming JJ [Redick] as the Head Coach, Rob Pelinka's next step must be to improve the roster if we are going to compete against all the powerhouse teams in the West like the Nuggets, Timberwolves, Mavericks, Suns, Thunder, Spurs, and the Clippers.”
Like Magic Johnson implies, the Western Conference is a nightmare. The abundance of talent continues to rise to eye-popping levels, putting the onus on Pelinka and the Lakers to make a considerable splash this offseason. That does not have to refer only to adding an All-Star-caliber player. LA can become a better team by fortifying its depth.
The franchise needs to identify at least one such piece in next week's NBA Draft. It owns the No. 17 and 55 picks. The latter is expected to be used to select Bronny James, while the former will ideally bring an immediate difference maker to the fold. Then on June 29, two days after the draft concludes, the basketball world will wait for LeBron James' decision.
He and D'Angelo Russell, among others, have until that date to accept their player options. The widely held belief is that they will each enter free agency. James, however, feels destined to wrap up his all-time career in Purple and Gold. The arrival of JJ Redick only increases that likelihood.
But reinforcements are still required. Signing or trading for a 3-and-D threat is a nice place to start. This may not be the Showtime era, but Redick has the opportunity to lead an exciting and dangerous Lakers squad depending on how this summer shakes out.
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