In a surprising development, the Los Angeles Lakers have parted ways with JJ Redick, their head coach, just months after hiring him. Redick, a former NBA sharpshooter with no prior coaching experience, took the position in June 2024. His appointment was seen as a bold and unconventional move by the Lakers’ management, especially given Redick’s rapid transition from broadcasting to coaching. He replaced Darvin Ham, who had been let go after a somewhat underwhelming 2023-2024 season despite leading the Lakers to the Western Conference finals in 2023.
Redick’s tenure as the Lakers’ head coach was brief but highly scrutinized. Although he had deep basketball knowledge and was well-respected as a player, his inexperience on the sidelines became a point of concern. His hiring was also largely seen as an effort by the Lakers to keep LeBron James engaged, as the two had collaborated on a popular podcast prior to Redick’s coaching stint
This decision is part of the Lakers’ continued instability at the coaching position. Since Phil Jackson’s departure, the team has gone through multiple head coaches, including Frank Vogel and Darvin Ham, both of whom were dismissed after mixed results. Redick’s exit marks yet another coaching change for the Lakers, raising questions about the direction of the franchise, especially with LeBron James’ future still uncertain.
The Lakers have not yet announced who will take over the coaching responsibilities, but this move underscores the challenges they face in building a stable leadership structure as they continue to chase success in the highly competitive Western Conference.
JJ Redick is being hired as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, a person with knowledge of the decision tells The Associated Press.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday because the Lakers hadn’t yet publicly announced the decision to hire the former guard for his first coaching job.
The 39-year-old Redick is an extraordinary choice by the Lakers, who hired a 15-year veteran with absolutely no coaching experience to lead a franchise with 17 NBA titles, one of the biggest brand names in world sports — and LeBron James, the top scorer in league history.
