JJ Redick is reportedly in the running to take over from Darvin Ham as the Los Angeles Lakers head coach. The former sharpshooter turned podcaster has been vocal about his desire to patrol the sidelines.
Redick is reportedly a finalist in the Charlotte Hornet’s search to replace Steve Clifford. Redick is also a close friend of LeBron James’, the pair host a podcast together.
However, former Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams doesn’t believe Redick has the experience or the cache to command the Lakers locker room.
“There’s no chance that JJ Redick is gonna be able to command that locker room,” Williams said. “Yeah, him and LeBron can sit there and drink wine together and break down plays. But, it’s a little bit different when you’ve got 20 thousand people screaming at you, and you’ve got 11 other players that you’ve got to manage as well. I’m not saying JJ isn’t fit for the job. We simply haven’t seen him be fit for the job.”
Redick is a 15-year NBA veteran. His basketball knowledge has made him a hit with the NBA fan base. However, he would enter the Lakers locker room as a rookie head coach. Furthermore, he would be taking one of the biggest jobs in basketball without any experience as a coach. Usually, former players work under established coaches for a couple of years before looking to make the jump.
The Lakers’ job is high-pressure. It would be a significant risk for Redick to take that role as his first gig in the league. He would be better served chasing opportunities with teams like the Hornets, who can afford some teething issues as he develops his strategy.
Redick will undoubtedly face stern competition for the Lakers job. It’s in his best interests that he is unsuccessful in the application process. However, if he does end up leading the Purple and Gold next season, he must prove he knows coaching is about more than the Xs and Os.
