“LeBron James’ Friendships Tend to Fall Out as Quickly”: NBA Insider Weighs In On JJ Redick Becoming Lakers Head Coach

Sourav Bose | 08/05/2024
Lebron James Getting Cut off by JJ Redick Led to ‘Mind the Game’ Producer Having a Revelation About JJ

Since the departure of Darvin Ham from the designation of LA Lakers’ head coach, several have expressed strong interest in filling the vacancy. Recently, JJ Redick has come across as quite the candidate for the role, sparking some wild discussions within the league. Amidst the anticipation, NBA Insider, Brian Windhorst, discussed if the former player has any real chance of landing the job, along with his bond with LeBron James.

During Windhorst’s recent appearance on the Dan Patrick Show, he hinted at the dearth of “good candidates” for the job. This could eventually lead to the franchise exploring more proven options during its decision-making process. As a result, Redick’s hopes of securing the position could significantly diminish in the coming weeks.

Furthermore, the 46-year-old believed that Redick’s friendship with James may not come to his aid in this scenario. After all, the 4x champion has rarely been involved in the process of selecting a new head coach. Additionally, Windhorst emphasized how fleeting the Lakers star’s bonds with his contemporaries have been in the past.

“LeBron’s friendships in the NBA, for the most part, tend to fall out as quickly as they start. There is a long line of former teammates that he was buddy buddies with, that when it’s over, are gone. The true close people in his life, have been close people in his life for 15 or 20 years”.

Despite the seeming harshness of the statement, there also seems to be an ample amount of truth to be explored here. While JJ Redick is clearly a very smart basketball mind, he is unproven in the realm of coaching. To give the former sharpshooter such a big job right out the gate would be bordering on lunacy.

On top of this, the 39-year-old has always prioritized winning over personal relationships in the league. After all, the league has witnessed various such instances over the years.

From changing franchises to turnover in the rosters, James has become infamous for the flippant nature of his interpersonal relationships. Thus, as Windhorst pointed out, Redick should expect no benefit in this regard from his friend.

Does JJ Redick stand a chance?

Credits: USA TODAY SPORTS

At this stage, the prime candidate for the role remains former Milwaukee Bucks head coach, Mike Budenholzer.

The championship-winning tactician has been on the radar of the franchise for some time now, with his salary being speculated as the sole obstacle in negotiations. However, the organization could make a push for him in the coming days considering his experience with managing aging squads and star players.

Other than Budenholzer, former NBA head coaches such as Terry Stotts, and Kenny Atkinson emerge as major candidates for the role. Alongside them, the Lakers’ long-time assistant coach, Phil Handy, also stands out as an option. His familiarity with the squad and knowledge of its intricacies could help him slot right in as the franchise’s next leader.

In comparison to all these names, Redick seems like a novice, with no prior experience of coaching in the NBA. However, his analytical skills mesmerized supporters over and over again. This undoubtedly helps him build somewhat of a case for himself, allowing his name to remain in the mix.

That said, his chances of being picked for the hot seat remain little to just about non-existent.

Post Edited By: Tonoy Sengupta
JJ Redick LeBron James

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Sourav Bose

Sourav, a seasoned NBA journalist at the SportsRush, discovered his profound love for basketball through the brilliance of Stephen Curry and Steve Kerr with the Golden State Warriors. With over 600 articles in his career, he has established himself as a dedicated and prolific writer in the field. Influenced by 'The Last Dance' documentary and the anime 'Slam Dunk,' Sourav's passion for basketball is marked by insightful observations and a comprehensive understanding of the sport's history. Beyond his role as a journalist, he delves into the strategic dimensions of sports management and explores literature in his spare time, reflecting a well-rounded approach to his craft. Sourav's journey is characterized by a commitment to unraveling the intricacies of basketball and sports in general, making him a reliable source for NBA enthusiasts and a seasoned observer of the sports landscape.

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