After the sacking of coach Darvin Ham, the Los Angeles Lakers had a tough time getting a replacement in time and eventually went for the inexperienced JJ Redick. Lakers owner Jeanie Buss spoke publicly about the hiring of Redick for the first time in an interview with Petros and Money on AM 570 LA Sports.
Jeanie Buss expressed how she has already been impressed with him and his staff. To help him have a successful first season as a coach, JJ Redick has surrounded himself with experienced coaches which should help alleviate concerns about his inexperience.
We wanted to kind of think a different way. Really, he’s got a vision. I’m not comfortable talking about the basketball stuff, but we were looking for a candidate that would bring something different. And really invest in developing young players. JJ is the right person for us… So I don’t want to hype it and say it’s gonna be a home run.
Jeanie Buss said to Petros and Money on AM 570 LA Sports
Jeanie Buss says JJ Redick will have more time to establish himself with the Lakers
“I don’t want to hype it and say it’s gonna be a home run. We have to give him time to establish what he wants to establish.”
(via @PetrosAndMoney) pic.twitter.com/BbWD9ohGWD
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 26, 2024
It has been generally viewed that the Los Angeles Lakers have taken a risk by hiring JJ Redick as their new head coach, despite his lack of coaching experience. Redick, who has never coached at any level beyond his kids’ youth games, is known for his high basketball IQ.
Buss went further to emphasize that she stays out of basketball decisions, leaving them to Rob Pelinka, but she must have been impressed with Redick during the interview process to sign off on his hiring. She would be hoping that this gamble actually pays off as the Lakers are in need of a different kind of spark.
With the new season fast approaching, fans would be eager to see how Redick is able to get the best out of the Lakers and most importantly find a solid starting five. The Lakers host the Minnesota Timberwolves in their first game of the season.
JJ Redick wasn’t Lakers’ first choice as Dan Hurley rejected a $70 million offer
Before deciding upon JJ Redick, The Los Angeles Lakers had their sights set on UConn’s Dan Hurley as their top choice for head coach, but he rejected their offers, including a six-year, $70 million contract. According to The Athletic, owner Jeanie Buss was determined to sign Hurley and was disappointed when the deal fell through.
There was a scheduled visit by Hurley to the Lakers facility on June 7, where he met with Buss and GM Rob Pelinka, which suggested that a deal was imminent, but ultimately, he chose to stay at UConn. JJ Redick was the next option, and he accepted the offer the day after Hurley rejected it.
However, there’s this feeling that this revelation may impact Redick’s tenure as coach, as he may feel like he was the team’s second choice. Additionally, Redick’s close relationship with LeBron James, with whom he co-hosts a podcast, has led some to speculate that James played a role in Redick’s hiring.
