After a disappointing season, the Los Angeles Lakers are due to make big decisions about their future. While some fans are calling for a change in the coaching department, the latest intel out of LA suggests that the team’s management still believes in Redick and his ability to lead their locker room for the foreseeable future.
“The Redick experience was mostly positive, as the Lakers’ ability to earn the No. 3 seed had everything to do with his ability to connect with his players while showcasing his tactical acumen. Despite the early playoff exit, Redick’s job is safe, and the Lakers are optimistic about his future with the franchise,” wrote Jovan Buha and Sam Amick of The Athletic.
Redick, a 15-year NBA veteran, was hired last summer after the firing of Darvin Ham. The Lakers had lost 4-1 in the first round to the Denver Nuggets, and the team desperately needed a fresh start. On LeBron James‘ recommendation, Redick was hired by the Lakers and has been on the job ever since.
Unlike the strategy with most win-now coaches, Redick is being given some time to work through his mistakes and gradually improve his ability to lead. Despite having no prior experience, the Lakers see great potential in Redick, but they know to expect some mistakes as he grows into the role.
“The Lakers were well aware that he was inexperienced,” wrote The Athletic. “Team sources say the hire was made last summer with the expectation that there would be growing pains, but they remain bullish on his ability to lead this group.”
Under his guidance, the Lakers secured the third-best record in the West (50-32) and managed to come together in the aftermath of the Luka Doncic trade. Redick helped them adapt quickly to the changes and inspired his players to play the right brand of basketball.
Overall, the vibes were undeniably positive under Redick, and the Lakers had high hopes going into their first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Unfortunately, the playoffs were not kind to the Lakers, and they were only able to win one game before their elimination.
Redick was harassed by critics for his tight rotation, which involved only playing five players for an entire half. He gave up on guys he trusted throughout the regular season, players like Jaxson Hayes, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Dalton Knecht.
After the Lakers officially lost the series, Redick became a popular scapegoat, and major questions began to surface about his job security. Had Redick been replaced, he’d have been the fifth coach to be fired in the last 10 years, joining Darvin Ham, Frank Vogel, Luke Walton, and Byron Scott.
This time, however, the Lakers are sticking to their guns and standing by JJ Redick as their coach both now and in the future. With his extensive basketball knowledge and ability to connect with the players, Redick has made an impression on the Lakers, but he’ll have to start getting some better results if he wants to keep their trust.
After their latest first-round exit, the Lakers clearly have a lot of room to grow. With enough time, practice, and offseason moves, they might start to plug some of their greatest flaws. For now, however, it’s all about self-reflection for the Lakers and finding ways to improve internally rather than relying on Rob Pelinka to shift the roster.
