Since Dan Hurley's surprise refusal, JJ Redick had become the big favorite to become the coach of the Lakers, and this Thursday evening, ESPN announces that he has accepted a four-year contract to take over from Darvin Ham, fired after the elimination against the Nuggets.
The NBA Finals over, the former Magic and Clippers shooter was free from his obligations with ESPN and ABC, and last weekend he convinced president Rob Pelinka and owner Jeanie Buss that he was the man to the situation. According to ESPN, Redick has already started work to find experienced assistants to support him. Why not Monty Williams, cut by the Pistons.
This choice by the Lakers should have a domino effect on the Cavaliers and the Pistons, who are also looking for a coach. We think in particular of James Borrego, who had met the Lakers, and who was on the shelves of the Cavaliers.
The choice of the “King”?
Time will tell if it's a stroke of genius or a big casting error, but the choice of Redick will obviously be the talk of the town. Firstly because he has no experience as an assistant or coach, and it is obviously very risky. Then because he is close to LeBron James, and inevitably, voices have already been raised to evoke LeBron's hand behind this choice. Finally, Redick knows he was just a plan B, and that's never ideal when you take the reins of a team.
His appointment made official, the franchise will be able to turn to the Draft where it has the 17th choice. We are talking about the selection of a pivot to strengthen the interior sector, and train a young player alongside Anthony Davis. For the second round, the name of Bronny James continues to be regularly mentioned. Then there will be free agency with a two-step process. No fewer than eight Lakers are likely to be free agents, starting with LeBron James and D'Angelo Russell.
