The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most storied franchises in NBA history, are on the hunt for a new head coach following a disappointing season. Among the names floated around in media discussions, former NBA player JJ Redick has come up. However, there are several compelling reasons why Redick may never step into this high-pressure role.
First, Redick’s lack of coaching experience is a significant barrier. While he had a successful 15-year playing career and is widely respected for his basketball IQ, transitioning from player to head coach without any prior coaching experience is a monumental leap. The NBA coaching landscape is highly competitive, and teams typically prefer candidates with a proven track record in coaching roles, whether as head coaches or assistants.
Second, Redick has found a new niche as a media personality. Since retiring, he has quickly become a prominent voice in basketball media through his podcast, “The Old Man and the Three,” and as an analyst for ESPN. This new career offers him a platform to influence the game and connect with fans without the immense pressures and responsibilities that come with coaching an NBA team. Given his success and growing influence in the media, he may prefer to continue building his brand in this space rather than pivot to coaching.
Additionally, the expectations and scrutiny that come with coaching the Lakers are unparalleled. The franchise is known for its high expectations, driven by a legacy of championships and star-studded rosters. The pressure to deliver immediate results is immense, and any coaching missteps are magnified under the intense media spotlight. For someone like Redick, who is just starting to build his post-playing career, taking on such a high-risk role might not be appealing.
