JJ Redick Takes Helm of the Lakers: What Lies Ahead?
In a surprising turn of events, former NBA player and podcaster JJ Redick was officially introduced as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday. The hire has brought a wave of excitement and speculation about the future direction of the storied franchise.
Leaving the Content World Behind
One of the most immediate questions surrounding Redick's new role was whether he would continue his popular podcast. The answer came swiftly and decisively. "I am, for the time being, and hopefully it's a very, very long time, I am excommunicated from the content space," Redick stated. "There will be no podcast."
Redick's focus will now be entirely on leading the Lakers, a task that will be a collaborative process with the team. Despite his lack of professional coaching experience, there is a strong belief within the organization that Redick's fresh perspective and analytical approach will bring positive changes.
Player Involvement in the Hiring Process
Typically, NBA teams closely involve their star players when selecting a new head coach. In the Lakers' case, both LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who led the team to the 2020 championship, qualify as pivotal figures. However, their levels of involvement in this hiring process differed significantly. According to Lakers' General Manager Rob Pelinka, James was "very supportive of our organization in this process. And that's a different word, and I want to be mindful of the word, than involved."
James chose to support the process from a distance, a decision respected by the organization. On the other hand, Davis was "very involved and excited for the hire," providing valuable input and wisdom throughout the process. Reports had suggested that James Borrego was Davis' preferred candidate, but the focus now shifts to how Davis and Redick will collaborate to lead the Lakers into the future.
Shifting Focus from LeBron to AD
As for the team's direction, Rich Paul, a prominent sports agent, believes the focus should shift more towards Anthony Davis than LeBron James. Davis, at 31, is under contract with the Lakers for several more seasons, whereas James, at 39, is facing an uncertain future and could become a free agent soon. "In my opinion, the Lakers' focus should probably be more so on Anthony Davis than LeBron at this point," Paul remarked in an interview with Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes.
If James opts for a lower-usage role or transitions to another team, running more of the offense through Davis will be critical. Pelinka expressed noncommittal sentiments about trading draft picks, suggesting that Redick's success or failure will hinge significantly on the roster that is built. The Lakers remain uncertain whether they will emphasize continuity or pursue a major trade, given the new CBA regulations making blockbuster trades more complex.
Investing in the Future
Interestingly, the tone of Redick's introductory press conference was one of patience, emphasizing player development as an organizational priority. Young players like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Max Christie are considered pivotal to the team's long-term plans. If the Lakers retain their younger talent, they signal a commitment to sustainable success, which might mark the end of James' personal championship window if he remains in Los Angeles.
Redick also shared insights into his coaching philosophy, quipping, "I'm gonna use math." His focus on analytics and modernizing the team's approach is evident. The Lakers have historically been a low 3-point volume team since James arrived, but Redick is eager to change that, aiming for players like James and Hachimura to shoot more 3s next season.
Embracing Modernization and Technology
Reports indicate that under Redick, the Lakers plan to invest more in their scouting and analytics departments. The organization aims to modernize player development using technology, seeking to incorporate innovative methods that cater to today's young athletes. Pelinka elaborated on this vision, discussing robust conversations with Redick about "gamifying player development" and utilizing app-based or phone-based deliverables to enhance learning and buy-in from the players.
"Innovation has got to be at the core of that," Pelinka stated. "We have a vision for hiring out his support staff in sort of this tech, bullpen way of getting innovative minds to help bring his basketball philosophy to life."
Looking Forward
While the new direction under Redick implies a long-term strategy, the Lakers' immediate future remains uncertain, especially with LeBron James' potential free agency. However, what is clear is the organization's commitment to fostering a modern, analytics-driven environment that supports both their young talents and their established stars. As Redick embarks on this new journey, the basketball world will be watching closely to see how his innovative approach reshapes the Lakers and what impact it will have on one of the NBA's most celebrated franchises.