Lakers Nation has officially welcomed JJ Redick as its new head coach. The former NBA player has signed a four-year contract with the Los Angeles team.
The Los Angeles Lakers announced the appointment of JJ Redick as their new head coach, marking his first coaching role and position as the 29th head coach in the franchise’s history.
The 40-year-old ex-NBA player has agreed to an annual contract worth around $8 million, although the specific terms of the deal have not been publicly disclosed.
In a statement, Lakers Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka expressed enthusiasm about Redick’s appointment: “We are thrilled to introduce JJ Redick as the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. After a thoughtful and thorough search, I couldn’t be more proud to welcome JJ, his wife Chelsea, and their two sons to the Lakers family. JJ’s competitive spirit, deep understanding of modern basketball, and sharp analytical skills will invigorate our players and fans alike.”
Redick is celebrated for his sharpshooting abilities and high basketball IQ over his 15-year NBA career. He has played for several teams, including Dallas, New Orleans, Philadelphia, the LA Clippers, Milwaukee, and Orlando, and is 20th all-time in made three-pointers. He has participated in 14 NBA Playoffs.
“I am incredibly humbled to join the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic and successful sports franchises globally,” Redick stated. “This role is fundamentally about serving the players, team, and organization. I’m grateful to Jeanie Buss, Rob Pelinka, and the Lakers front office. I will focus on delivering championship-calibre basketball and building on the Lakers’ rich legacy.”
Despite lacking professional or collegiate coaching experience, Redick’s involvement as an ESPN analyst and podcast co-host with LeBron James has kept him deeply connected to the game. His entry into coaching follows his interviews for other head coaching roles before securing the Lakers position.
The Lakers trust Redick’s passion, work ethic, and innovative mindset will offset his experience deficit. Supported by a seasoned coaching staff, Redick’s leadership is poised to propel the Lakers forward.
Redick and the Lakers are now focusing on assembling a coaching team and strategizing for the upcoming NBA Draft and free agency, marking a pivotal phase for the team under his guidance.
