Speaking on NBA Today this Tuesday, former NBA big man Udonis Haslem gave a warning to the Lakers about their potential next head coach. Much to the surprise of the other analysts, Haslem explained why JJ Redick, who many deem as the front-runner, might not be the best choice to lead the Lakers locker room.
“If it’s JJ [Redick], you’re going to have a cynical locker room,” said Haslem. “You’re gonna have guys saying, ‘Is coach gonna do a podcast after the game with LeBron?’ He’s gonna have a cynical locker room that side-eyes everything JJ says. They’re gonna wonder, ‘Is it JJ’s message or is it LeBron’s message?'”
“If it’s JJ [Redick], you’re going to have a cynical locker room.” 😳 @ThisIsUD on the Lakers’ head coach search. pic.twitter.com/ufJZbJjrma
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 14, 2024
There’s no doubt that JJ is LeBron’s guy. Between their battles as players and their current podcast together, it’s clear that Redick and James are pretty close and perhaps much closer than any player-coach should be. Furthermore, with practically no head coaching experience in the NBA, there is doubt that Redick would thrive under the pressure of the Lakers job, especially compared to other candidates like James Borrego and Sam Cassell.
As for alternatives, Haslem suggested Heat assistant Chris Quinn, who already has some experience working with the King.
“I’m not just saying this ’cause he’s my guy, but Chris Quinn has relationships coaching LeBron James in Miami… so I know he’s a guy that LeBron respects. Now is he a true, true candidate? Who knows because you might put names out there even though you’ve already picked.”
We all know that LeBron holds a lot of power over the Lakers and while he may not be directly involved in coaching decisions, it seems like he always finds a way to let the Lakers know what he wants. In this case, while he clearly desires Redick in charge, the Lakers are not quite ready to give him the reigns — and it seems to be for good reason.
LeBron James Has A Big Decision This Summer
After six seasons with the Lakers, LeBron James will have a chance to divert his course this summer as an unrestricted free agent. Retirement, while still on the table, is deemed unlikely for LeBron, and many believe he is set to finish out his career with the Lakers.
For now, until a new contract is signed, it’s impossible to say for sure where LeBron is headed and the decision will ultimately be up to him when it’s time to choose this coming July. Playing with his son remains a top priority for James and it’s looking more likely with each passing day that Bronny will end up getting picked in at least the second round.
For James, who turns 40 in December, he will have to choose carefully which matters to him more: a chance to play with his son, or a chance to win one last title and catch Kobe Bryant in total championships. If he chooses the latter, then the Lakers cannot afford a misstep at any point in this offseason.
No matter who is hired, the Lakers must find the right coach and give him the time he needs to establish his culture and build out his coaching identity how he sees fit. Whoever they pick now will have major implications in the next few years, and they might want to think twice before bringing in a guy who likes to broadcast his business for all the world to hear.
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