JJ Redick: Transitioning from the Podcast Studio to the Lakers’ Bench

The Unanticipated Move of JJ Redick

A fortnight before the commencement of training camp, the Lakers’ new coach, JJ Redick, sat in a workroom at the team’s practice facility, donning team-issued gear and Nike Kobe sneakers. In his new role, Redick revealed he was aware of the limited time left before his inaugural season as an NBA coach kicked off.

Redick, at 40, has effortlessly filled the coaching shoes, with his sharp appearance and articulate communication style drawing comparisons to the former “Showtime” coach Pat Riley. When asked why he chose to transition to coaching, Redick responded, “That’s probably the best question.”

Redick’s Unexpected Shift from Media Stardom to Coaching

Three years after retiring from a 15-season playing career, Redick decided to leave the media limelight for a shot at coaching the Lakers. This decision came despite having zero experience as a head coach, an assistant, or even a summer league coach.

However, Redick, known as a “basketball junkie,” believes he’s the right person for this task. He believes his understanding of the modern game and his relationships with players make this the perfect time for him to transition into coaching.

The Meeting that Shaped Redick’s New Role

Following a dominant performance by James against the New Orleans Pelicans, a postgame dinner turned into a crucial business meeting. Maverick Carter, James’ confidant and co-founder of the “Uninterrupted” production company, invited Redick to join them. During the meeting, the pair discovered a mutual understanding of the game. This led to the start of discussions about a potential role for Redick as Lakers coach.

The Podcast that Fueled Redick’s Coaching Ambition

Despite their paths never intersecting during their playing careers, Redick and James found common ground in their love for basketball. Their podcast “Mind the Game” grew exceptionally popular, amassing more than 500,000 subscribers on YouTube and averaging 1.5 million views per episode.

Overcoming Doubts and Challenges

Redick faced skepticism about his decision to coach the Lakers, with many advising him against it due to the team’s recent tumultuous history. However, his competitive spirit and the desire to scratch an itch that couldn’t be satisfied by his media career led him to accept the challenge.

Redick’s primary concern was whether his association with LeBron James was the primary reason for his appointment. However, the Lakers’ management assured him that they were looking beyond LeBron’s final chapter.

Redick’s Journey to Accepting the Lakers’ Job

Redick was enjoying lunch with his father when he received the call offering him the Lakers’ coaching job. Before accepting, he felt compelled to consult with one crucial person – LeBron James.

The Unique Challenge of Coaching LeBron and Bronny

Redick now faces the unique challenge of coaching both LeBron and his son, Bronny. The task of managing the final stages of LeBron’s career while nurturing Bronny’s nascent talent is daunting, but Redick remains confident. He sees coaching LeBron as an opportunity to strategize with a basketball genius and coaching Bronny as an opportunity to mold a young and ambitious player.

The Uncertain Future of Coaching the Lakers

The reality of coaching in the NBA is that job security is never guaranteed. With none of the past six Lakers coaches lasting more than three seasons, Redick is well aware of the volatile nature of his new role. However, he is confident about his ability to navigate these challenges and contribute to the legacy of this franchise.

In the end, Redick, the self-proclaimed “basketball junkie,” believes he has the ability to successfully carry out this unprecedented task. As his mentor, Mike Krzyzewski, put it, “It’s kind of nuts, but good nuts.”