J.J. Redick, the former Duke star who made a living as a capable NBA shooting guard over 15 seasons, has agreed to a deal to become the new head coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, a person with knowledge of the hire told USA TODAY Sports on Thursday.
The person requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly until the Lakers made an official announcement.
Redick, 39, has no coaching experience, joining a short list of former players who have moved into the coaching ranks without any prior experience. Jason Kidd moved from player to coach quickly, retiring as a player in June 2013 and taking the Nets job less than two weeks later. Steve Nash retired in 2014 and became the Nets’ head coach in 2020, lasting just two-plus seasons.
Redick’s basketball acumen is well known, from his days as a player and then as an analyst for ESPN/ABC and on the Xs and Os-centric “Mind the Game” podcast with LeBron James.
But his absence of coaching experience – for the Lakers’ franchise in particular – is a major part of the story.
He takes over a team that finished 47-35 this season and lost to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers maintain championship aspirations.
How he fares will be watched with scrutiny. He brings knowledge and understanding of the modern game and player, and he has played for strong minds: Stan Van Gundy with Orlando, where he was drafted 11th in 2006; Doc Rivers with the Los Angeles Clippers; Brett Brown with Philadelphia.
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