Pressure is building in Los Angeles as the Lakers scramble to build a team worthy of Luka Doncic’s talent. As the newly appointed team governor, Mark Walter, evaluates everything, nobody’s job is safe, including those at the top. While the full implications of failure are impossible to predict, seven-time champion Robert Horry says that even head coach JJ Redick could be outed if GM Rob Pelinka is dismissed (via The Disrespectful Face-Mush).
“Bye-bye,” Horry said when asked about JJ Redick’s future if Rob Pelinka is gone (16:48). “I think the ownership is going to want to come in and bring their own everything. You know, unless JJ does something phenomenal and gets to the Western Conference Finals, that’s the only way I see him sticking around.”
Pelinka is fiercely loyal to Redick, and he proved it by giving him an extension after his very first season on the job. But if Pelinka is no longer there, Redick’s job security is suddenly much less certain. According to Horry, the Lakers might be better off with someone who’s less friendly with the players and who operates with more of a tough-love approach.
“I think you have to bring in someone who isn’t trying to be a coach and a friend. I think you need to come in and coach and be a mentor, not a friend. I think someone like Luka needs strong love because Luka has a tendency to do his own thing, and you can’t just do your own thing,” he added.
JJ Redick took over for Darvin Ham, ahead of the season that Luka Doncic first became a Laker. While he played 15 years in the NBA (averaging 12.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.2 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game on 35.8% shooting and 39.5% from three), he had no head coaching experience. Nevertheless, with LeBron James‘ blessing, Pelinka hired him with the confidence that he could be a long-term addition.
While Redick’s tenure has been far from perfect, he’s on track to lead the Lakers to back-to-back winning seasons. His game plans and ability to rally the troops have been impressive to see, but it may still not be enough for him to keep his job. With the Lakers down to fifth in the West (33-21), everything hinges on what happens over the next few months.
If the Lakers can stay in the top six and win at least one playoff series, it could sway the new team owner against drastic moves. But with the way things have been going lately, nobody should be getting too comfortable with their position.
