The Los Angeles Lakers are set to usher in a new era with the announcement of JJ Redick as their head coach in a news conference, according to NBC Los Angeles. The former sharpshooter and broadcaster steps into a coaching role for the first time, succeeding Darvin Ham who was let go on May 3 after the team's first-round playoff disappointment.
Renowned for a storied playing career spanning over 15 years, and a subsequent foray into sports analysis and podcasting, Redick's leap to coaching professional basketball is met with both excitement and scrutiny. Though lacking traditional coaching experience, Redick is no stranger to basketball intellect and strategy, as evidenced by his on-court successes and highly-regarded breakdowns of the game on "Mind the Game," which he co-hosts with Lakers star LeBron James. His signing comes after the Lakers' surprising curveball with an offer to Dan Hurley, who decided to remain with University of Connecticut, as reported by CBS News Los Angeles.
In tune with the Lakers' longstanding tradition of both glory and high expectations, Redick becomes the seventh head coach since the legendary Phil Jackson hung up his clipboard in 2011. Lakerland has seen a carousel of coaches over the past decade, and the franchise rich with championship lore looks to Redick to usher in stability and success. The hire is underlined by Magic Johnson's cautiously optimistic outlook shared on social media, where he said, "I enjoyed watching him as a player -- great 3-point shooting, high basketball IQ, passion for the game, and mental and physical toughness," as per NBC Los Angeles.
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