JJ Redick Praised by LeBron, Luka After Lakers' Loss to Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves
If an NBA head coach's job security is determined by what the team's star players think of them, JJ Redick is in a good spot with the Los Angeles Lakers after wrapping up his first season.
Following the Lakers' season-ending loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, LeBron James and Luka Dončić praised the job Redick did during their postgame press conferences.
James is optimistic because Redick "had a hell of a rookie campaign" as a first-time head coach:
"I think JJ's going to continue to grow. Thought he had a hell of a rookie campaign for a rookie coach. And it's a lot different being a rookie coach. It's already hard being a rookie coach in the NBA. And it's a hell of a lot harder being a rookie head coach coaching the Lakers. It's a whole nother ballgame. And I thought he handled it extremely well. I thought he just learned every single day, held us accountable. He pushed us."
Dončić echoed James' sentiments: "I think he's a hell of a coach. I'm really glad I got coached by him these couple of months. It feels sometimes like I'm back in Europe a little bit. So I love it. We have a great bond. It's been nothing but amazing with him as a coach."
The Lakers' coaching search last summer took a winding path before eventually landing on Redick. They made a push for Tyronn Lue that was unsuccessful because he considered their proposal to be a "slap in the face" given his resume, so he signed a new deal with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Connecticut head coach Dan Hurley turned down a reported offer of six years and $70 million from the Lakers to remain in college. Redick, who had been rumored for the job very early on, was officially hired on June 24.
It seemed like an odd move for a franchise like the Lakers to turn to someone who had no coaching experience at any level, but Redick seemed to do just fine steering the ship.
Redick became the ninth head coach in franchise history to win at least 50 games in their first season. Their 50 victories this season were their most since 2019-20. He did that while helping the organization navigate through the franchise-altering move at midseason to acquire Dončić that completely reshaped how this roster plays.
Even though this season ended with a disappointing first-round playoff loss for the Lakers, Redick more than acclimated himself well to a coaching job that is one of the most pressure-filled in all of sports.
