Los Angeles Lakers fans are abuzz after a recent interview with former NBA player and current broadcaster JJ Redick seemingly revealed the team's next head coach. The revelation, though unintentional, has sparked discussions not only about the Lakers' coaching future but also LeBron James' remaining time on the court and the possibility of his son, Bronny James, joining the team.
During an interview on Draft Kings' Gojo and Golic Show, Redick was questioned about a report by Shams Charania of The Athletic suggesting the Lakers were "zeroing in" on him as their next head coach. His response, while carefully worded, hinted at a bigger story. Redick redirected the focus to the ongoing NBA Finals but added, "In terms of Shams, that will be addressed once the season is over."
This coy response, coupled with his body language, wasn't lost on eagle-eyed fans. Lakers content creator Aron Cohen captured the sentiment on his X (formerly Twitter) page, posting the interview clip with the caption, "JJ Redick just confirmed the obvious. You're looking at the next Lakers head coach."
While Redick boasts a successful NBA career and current broadcasting experience, he lacks any formal head coaching experience. However, his strong relationship with LeBron James, forged through their co-hosted podcast, seems to be a selling point for the Lakers' front office.
This reported decision has some scratching their heads. Redick's lack of coaching experience is a stark contrast to past Lakers' head coaches like Phil Jackson and Phil Handy. However, the Lakers may be taking a page out of the history books, drawing inspiration from Pat Riley, who transitioned from player to broadcaster to a highly successful coaching career, ultimately leading the "Showtime Lakers" to NBA championships.
The Lakers' coaching situation is just one piece of the puzzle for LeBron James' future. With James possessing a player option for next season, a decision on his return is still up in the air. Whether he stays with the Lakers, potentially under Coach Redick, or seeks a new team will significantly impact the franchise's trajectory.
Adding another layer of intrigue is the potential arrival of Bronny James, LeBron's son, who is projected to be a high draft pick in the coming years. The possibility of a father-son duo playing for the Lakers is a storyline that would send shockwaves through the NBA.
While the interview with JJ Redick has seemingly revealed the Lakers' next head coach, official confirmation remains pending. LeBron James' future with the team and the potential arrival of his son, Bronny, are additional uncertainties that hang over the franchise. The coming weeks and months promise to be an exciting (and potentially headline-grabbing) time for the Los Angeles Lakers and their fans.