Duke basketball legend JJ Redick is reportedly on the verge of becoming the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Shams Charania of The Athletic revealed that the Lakers are “zeroing in” on Redick for the position, following numerous reports that he is the frontrunner. This role would mark Redick’s first head coaching job after a 15-year NBA career.
Despite the coaching rumors, Redick is currently focused on his duties as a color analyst for ESPN’s top NBA Finals broadcast team. Addressing the speculation, Redick stated on the “GoJo and Golic” show, “My focus, right now, is on the NBA Finals… [Charania’s report] will be addressed once the season is over. I’ll just say that.”
Redick is one of several former Duke players involved in the NBA Finals. Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum, assistant coach Amile Jefferson, and Dallas Mavericks’ stars Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively are all participating in the series. Redick, who averaged 12.8 points per game during his NBA career, has since become a prominent media figure in sports. His last season as a player was with the Mavericks in 2020-21.
Since retiring, Redick has ascended to ESPN’s top broadcasting team, replacing Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy, who were dismissed last season. Additionally, Doc Rivers left to become the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. Redick’s rise in media includes launching a podcast with Lakers superstar LeBron James called “Mind the Game.” This collaboration has fueled speculation that their relationship played a role in Redick emerging as a leading candidate for the Lakers’ coaching job.
As of now, the Lakers have not made an official announcement regarding Redick’s potential appointment.
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