A head coaching job is something that always brings a unique challenge to any individual who takes it up. That challenge can multiply in difficulty if the said team hiring that individual, has a reputation built on winning championships. That said, with Darvin Ham‘s position looking extremely shaky, JJ Redick, Ty Lue, and Rajon Rondo could potentially coach LeBron James and his Los Angeles Lakers teammates next year.
All the above candidates have one thing in common. They are all highly revered by their leading superstar. But one problem that comes with coaching the Lakers is that the candidates must be ready to deliver championships immediately. At the same time, they have to ensure that the team is ready for the next phase of their life after the all-time leading scorer retires.
Even then, they would have to continue the winning culture. The Los Angeles Lakers have missed the playoffs only 11 times in the 75 years in the NBA. They also have a record tying 17 NBA championship banners hanging from their rafters. A true winning team by all accounts.
Not meeting those expectations has seen coaches lose their jobs. Therefore, the added pressure should either bring out the best in them or leave them jobless. However, the 3 listed above are known across the league as being some of the best minds in basketball.
LeBron James’ podcast partner JJ Redick
The former 3-point specialist was always known to possess an extremely high level of understanding of the game of basketball. So much so that if LeBron James wanted to do a podcast, it turns out it would be with the former Duke standout. Their podcasts have become extremely popular considering the level of depth they go to make viewers understand the concepts.
NBA teams are aware of the knowledge JJ Redick brings to the table (image via Open Source/X)Now theory does not guarantee practical success. However, Redick has been calling NBA games as part of the ESPN crew. The thing that stood out for all teams was the way he understood and dissected each play. While as an analyst on the network, his insights have been valuable in helping ESPN gain ratings. But Redick comes with no prior coaching experience.
However, other coaches have come in to lead basketball teams without having done any work preparing teams before. Especially in the case of JJ Redick, teams know that he is not afraid to call out players. Something he has methodically done over the years since his retirement.
The Charlotte Hornets reportedly interested in hiring JJ Redick as their new head coach. That itself suddenly opens the door for a team like the Los Angeles Lakers to have a few discussions with him. The biggest advantage he has is having one of the greatest players in the history of the game in his corner.
Ty Lue has championship-winning pedigree
Ty Lue is no stranger to the purple and gold colors. His first few years were spent playing in those colors. Those years were some of his most memorable as he won two championships. Therefore, it would be apt for their former point guard to come back and lead the Los Angeles Lakers to another title. Something he did as a coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.
Ty Lue won a title as a head coach leading LeBron James to glory in 2016 (image via Open Source/X)That year, LeBron James knew what sort of a coach Lue is. To this day, the 39-year-old refers to him as one of the best basketball coaches he has ever played for. Having such resounding support from the de facto leader of the team is his biggest win. But his admirers do not stop there. Most of the teams in the league are sniffing at any chance to hire him.
But there is one caveat against Lue. He is currently the head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers. The only chance he can get out of that job is if the team’s owner Steve Ballmer decides to move in a different direction. His contract runs until the end of next season, in which his final season is fully guaranteed.
Therefore, the Los Angeles Lakers will have to buy out his current contract. Not an easy situation for their next-door neighbors. But something LeBron James would want his team to do at any cost. Ty Lue as a Lakers head coach has multiple benefits. He has age on his side and has a home in Los Angeles. More importantly, his resume ensures that players will listen to him.
Rajon Rondo has head coach written all over him
One of the most polarizing players in the past two decades, Rajon Rondo has his former teammates and opponents say the same thing about him – that he is a relentless competitor and an astute student of the game. Something that LeBron James has talked about a lot of times. Rondo happens to be one of those players who has played both alongside as well as against James.
Rajon Rondo is revered as one of the best basketball minds (image via The Laker Files/X)Therefore, the superstar knows what makes up Rajon Rondo’s mindset. The former Kentucky Wildcat has a mouth loud enough for players to listen to him. His strong-minded attitude will ensure that superstars do not get carried away in trying to do their own thing. Forever a team-focused player, his character itself will extract the best from his players.
But James himself suggested that probably the rigors of coaching have disinterested the former 2-time champion. However, with recent run-ins with the law, maybe coaching a team with such pressure will do good for his life. Moreover, basketball will certainly gain from him coaching players.
LeBron James as a player-coach
In the history of the NBA, there have been quite a few who have coached the team while also playing alongside them. But it has not been done since the great Lenny Wilkens last did it in 1976. Legend Bill Russell is the only one on the list who has won championships while handling both roles.
LeBron James could be the player-coach for the Los Angeles Lakers (image via The Hollywood Reporter/X)The case for LeBron James to become a player-coach is simply based on how he leads his team. Even though he still takes on most of the scoring and playmaking burden, every basketball fan knows that on the court, he directs the plays. It has become so common that players prefer to listen to him than what Darvin Ham has to say.
Be it developing players over the years, or analyzing opponent schemes and switching on the fly, James has done it all. All that remains is taking on scouting, analyzing potential draft picks, having a say in personnel changes, and motivating everyone in the organization to meet the common goal.
Therefore, the case is more compelling to ask him to take that dual role as his career winds down. Having one of the best basketball minds of all time as their leader, and the Lakers are good for at least another 20 years.
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