The Lakers’ decision to hire Redick may come as a surprise to some, given his lack of experience.

The Los Angeles Lakers announced the hiring of former NBA player JJ Redick as their new head coach, despite his lack of coaching experience. He acknowledged the pressure and expectations that come with coaching a team like the Lakers but emphasized his focus on delivering championship-caliber basketball and building on the team’s legacy.

JJ Redick released a statement before his introductory press conference, thanking the Lakers organization and expressing his appreciation for the opportunity. He also mentioned his goal of surrounding himself with a veteran and innovative staff to help develop players and maximize the team’s potential.

I am incredibly humbled to join the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic and successful sports franchises in the world. This opportunity for me is all about service to the players, team and organization. My goal will focus on delivering championship-caliber basketball for Lakers fans everywhere, building on the tremendous history and legacy of the Lakers.

JJ Redick in an official statement:

At his press conference, Redick addressed his lack of coaching experience but highlighted the lessons he learned from his coaches during his playing career. He also shared that he was often told he would make a great coach one day.

The Lakers’ decision to hire Redick may come as a surprise to some, given his lack of experience. However, the team is confident in his ability to lead and develop their talented roster, which includes Anthony Davis and LeBron James. With Redick at the helm, the Lakers are expected to contend for a championship, and he is well aware of the expectations that come with coaching a historic franchise like the Lakers.

JJ Redick, the unconventional choice to lead the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers have appointed JJ Redick as their new head coach, a move that deviates from the traditional path. Redick, a former player and current podcaster and ESPN commentator, will lead the team into a new era of Laker basketball. Despite his lack of coaching experience, the Lakers’ vice president of basketball operations and general manager, Rob Pelinka, believes Redick is the right fit for the job.

Pelinka and Lakers owner Jeanie Buss were the driving forces behind this unconventional hire. According to Pelinka, the team intentionally sought a different approach in their head coaching search. Redick’s transition from commentator to head coach is a tall order, but he is expected to rise to the challenge and lead the Lakers to their 18th championship.

The Lakers had various options, including experienced coaches and long-time assistants, but opted for Redick’s fresh perspective. While this hire may come with growing pains, the team hopes it will ultimately pay off. The Redick era promises to be an exciting and unpredictable chapter in Laker history.