Stephen A. Smith and Los Angeles Lakers’ new head coach JJ Redick were once co-workers at ESPN.

Stephen A Smith and JJ Redick

The Los Angeles Lakers appointed JJ Redick as their new head coach after interviewing multiple candidates for the role. Redick who spent 15 years in the NBA joined ESPN as an in-studio analyst in 2021. Notably, Stephen A. Smith, Redick’s former colleague shared his views after Redick was appointed as the New head coach of the Lakers on the First Take Show.

Smith claimed on the Show that the whole “First Take” team will be rooting for Redick and the Lakers to be a huge success. Smith also claimed that, aiming a swipe at other media networks, “everyone here is rooting for you JJ” and made himself clear regarding the support Redick will receive on the First Take Show.

I don't know how it works at other networks, but we root for our teammates here. So make no mistake about it, all of us are rooting for you. All of us want you to succeed, JJ, congratulations. And we hope that you make the Lakers a raving success and you have a very prosperous coaching career. That's what we do here.

On the First Take Show, Stephen A. Smith said

In addition, the Lakers formally presented Redick, 39, as the team’s 29th head coach in franchise history. Also, with Redick already having good connections with LeBron James and some more Lakers stars, it will be interesting to watch how Redick performs in his new role with the Lakers.

Stephen A. Smith has asserted that JJ Redick has the “coaching itch”

JJ Redick was named the Los Angeles Lakers’ next head coach for the 2024–2025 NBA season. Notably, Redick’s former ESPN co-worker Stephen A. Smith was straightforward this time around, wishing him “nothing but the best” on social media for his next coaching career with one of the NBA’s most illustrious teams.

Congrats to my man @jj_redick. Anyone who knows anything about you knows that you have that coaching itch. Wishing you nothing but the best.

Stephen A. Smith wrote on X

Furthermore, Smith has recently shown a great deal of support for Redick, saying that the entire First Take staff will be supporting him and the Lakers.

Additionally, Smith has also been vocal previously claiming Redick is a superb basketball coach. Now, Redick has been given one of the toughest assignments in the NBA, therefore all eyes will be on him to see how well he does with the Lakers in the 2024–2025 season.