Shams: JJ Redick weasels his way into Lakers head coaching job in shocking move

As it turns out, JJ Redick’s podcast with LeBron James may have been a job interview. Rumors were swirling that he may be in the running for the Los Angeles Lakers vacant head coaching position, but recent reports indicate it’s all but a done deal.

Per Shams Charania, JJ Redick will likely be coaching his podcast co-host in LA this upcoming season:

The Los Angeles Lakers are zeroing in on JJ Redick as the frontrunner for franchise’s next head coach, league and industry sources say.

Developing story at @TheAthletic: https://t.co/PqVJt8OBjs

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 4, 2024

I’m sorry, Colin Cowherd. At this rate, it seems the LA top brass don’t care which direction he wears his hat.

According to reports, he’s already building his coaching staff. That doesn’t seem like the kind of thing a man who might get the job would be doing.

At any rate, this is an intriguing hire from the Lakers. They’re obviously scratching and clawing to get LeBron to stay in town, and hiring his podcasting buddy is clearly a step in that direction.

We all know he has power, but how much of this was his call? I assume he has some kind of final sign off, but did he just march into Jeanie Buss’ office and demand they sign JJ Redick?

That’d be upgrading his title from LeGM to LeOwner, which, at this point, wouldn’t be all that surprising.

What’s more surprising is that JJ Redick would even want this job at all. Sure, if he wins a title with this team, that’s a legacy-defining ring.

But at the same time, how the hell is he going to do that with this roster? Bron is pushing 40, and AD’s ankles are as stable as a 16-hour smoked brisket. And the rest of the team? Forget about it.

Combine that with the stress and the travel that comes with any head coaching gig, and I’m honestly shocked he wants this job. But if he’s truly committed, I think he’ll have a chance at success if the front office fully supports his vision.

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