JJ Redick (Image source: X/ Front Office Sports)
After months of speculation, the Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly appointed JJ Redick as their new head coach. This marks Redick’s first head coaching job in professional basketball, a significant step in his post-playing career. As he steps into this new role, former NBA star Earvin Magic Johnson shared his thoughts on the hiring in an X post.

“I’m cautiously optimistic that this new hire is a success for both the Lakers and JJ Redick. I enjoyed watching him as a player – great 3-point shooting, high basketball IQ, passion for the game, and mental and physical toughness. If he can bring how he played professionally to the Lakers – this could work out!” Johnson wrote on social media.

Redick’s NBA career spanned 15 years, during which he played for several teams. Nevertheless, despite his extensive knowledge and experience, he has never held a head coaching position at any level. Johnson acknowledged this in his post, pointing out Redick’s challenges in transitioning from player to coach.

“But will his transition from star basketball player to head coach end up like Steve Kerr, Jason Kidd, Ty Lue, or Doc Rivers or the former NBA players turned coaches who weren’t successful?” Johnson added it to his post.

The Lakers are a storied franchise with a history of success, and the expectations for their head coach are always high. Hence, the lack of prior coaching experience raises questions about how well Redick will adapt to the new responsibilities and pressures of the job.

Can JJ Redick Bring Stability to the Lakers?

The Los Angeles Lakers have appointed JJ Redick as their new head coach, who was drafted three years after Lakers legend LeBron James. Redick, who retired in 2021, will replace Darvin Ham. Now he finds himself coaching LeBron, who is gearing up for his 22nd season as a player.

LeBron’s continued excellence on the court contrasts with the Lakers’ coaching situation, where stability has been elusive. After Phil Jackson, no coach has lasted more than three seasons with the team.

Redick’s predecessor, Darvin Ham, was fired on May 3. Ham led the Lakers to two playoff berths and a Western Conference final appearance in 2023 before his contract termination. During his tenure, Ham coached the team for 164 games.

Redick’s transition from player to head coach brings new challenges to the Lakers. While LeBron continues to hone his skills as an elite player, Redick will face the challenge of guiding one of the NBA’s most storied franchises.