Lakers Rumors: JJ Redick Asked by Associates If He's Sure About Pursuing HC Job

ESPN analyst and former NBA guard JJ Redick is reportedly being asked by people in his life if he wants to seriously pursue the Los Angeles Lakers head coaching role.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst revealed during a Friday appearance on Get Up that Redick's associates have brought up questions surrounding the potential job.

"And that's one of the reasons why I think there's people in his life, in fact, I know there's people in his life, who have said 'Are you sure this is the opportunity you want? That this is what you want to leave for? Because this is such a challenging job,'" Windhorst said (h/t RealGM.com).

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Thursday that Redick will formally interview for the Lakers' vacancy "this weekend," with a strong performance potentially moving him to the "forefront" of the team's coaching search.

The 15-year NBA veteran's desire to enter the coaching field has been apparent for awhile, as he previously interviewed for the Charlotte Hornets' head coaching role in April. In May 2023, Redick also met with the Toronto Raptors regarding the team's opening at head coach.

However, he may have second thoughts about pursuing the Lakers job if he listens to those around him. The Lakers initially sought UConn head coach Dan Hurley for the role, although he turned down a six-year deal worth $70 million on Monday to stay with the Huskies (per Wojnarowski).

Windhorst isn't the only one to bring up Redick potentially hesitating to pursue the head coaching job, as Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports reported on Tuesday that some people around the league believe that the current analyst "won't want to be involved" with a "circus" in Los Angeles.

If Redick is ultimately chosen for the role, he'll have a tall task ahead of him for a first-time head coach. The Lakers will be attempting to rebound from a swift first-round exit in the 2024 playoffs and are looking to go on a deep postseason run with Anthony Davis and LeBron James.