Former NBA shooting guard and current ESPN analyst JJ Redick has emerged as the frontrunner to become the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. While no official agreement has been reached yet, Redick’s impressive meetings with the Lakers brass have positioned him as the top candidate for the coveted coaching role.
JJ Redick: Frontrunner Status Boosted by Impressive Meetings with Lakers
JJ Redick recently visited LA and had extensive discussions with the Lakers organization. According to reports, these meetings left a strong impression on team executives. Sports analyst Pat McAfee, known for his popular “The Pat McAfee Show,” recently provided an update on the Lakers’ coaching search. Citing insider information, McAfee tweeted,
“There isn’t an agreement as far as I know between the Lakers and JJ Redick right now… He went into LA on Saturday and had meetings with the Lakers brass… I’m told that the meetings were very impressive and he’s still the frontrunner to be the Lakers Head Coach.”
"There isn't an agreement as far as I know between the Lakers and JJ Redick right now..
He went into LA on Saturday and had meetings with the Lakers brass..
I'm told that the meetings were very impressive and he's still the frontrunner to be the Lakers Head Coach" ~… pic.twitter.com/KbQsS85KxM
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 18, 2024
McAfee’s tweet highlights two key points. First, it suggests that Redick made a strong impression on the Lakers’ front office during their in-person meeting on Saturday. This positive initial interaction positions JJ Redick favorably as the coaching search progresses. However, the second part of McAfee’s tweet clarifies that a formal agreement between the two parties has not yet been reached.
The Lakers’ Coaching Search
The Lakers’ coaching search has been closely watched since their early exit from the playoffs. UConn head coach Dan Hurley was initially considered, but he declined the opportunity. Redick then emerged as the leading candidate, especially after Lakers superstar LeBron James expressed support for him. While no final decision has been made, indications strongly point to JJ Redick as the preferred choice at this stage.
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