JJ Redick. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Insider floats intriguing coaching opportunity for JJ Redick

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 5/1/24

Darvin Ham's future with the Los Angeles Lakers is far from certain after he failed to build on a Western Conference Finals appearance last season.

His consistent tinkering with the starting lineup reportedly wore thin with the veterans on his roster, and his team failed to build an identity on either side of the court this season.

Should the Lakers choose to part ways with Ham, JJ Redick could emerge as a potential candidate to take the reigns.

“A name that is interesting to me is JJ Redick, given he is one of the front-runners for the Charlotte Hornets job,” The Athletic's Jovan Buha said on his latest podcast. “He seems to be the hot name on the market. I think of Steve Kerr when he was picking between the Knicks and the Warriors, and I think JJ Redick, if he does not get the Hornets job or he does not choose to join the Hornets, I think he would be an interesting candidate."

Redick is reportedly a finalist in the Charlotte Hornets' hiring process. The front office will likely give him a second interview. However, should Redick not end up in Charlotte, he could find himself in the running to succeed Ham. Redick has a friendship with LeBron James and is respected for his analytical approach to the game.

However, Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss may opt not to take another first-time head coach as they look to get the Lakers back on track. LeBron's career is coming to an end, and if he stays with the franchise, his desire to win a championship will be a major driving force. Redick would be stepping into a pressure cooker that could make or break his coaching career before it's even begun.

Sooner or later, Redick will land a head coaching gig in the NBA. Whether his first job comes with the Lakers is another question. A rebuilding team like the Hornets would be a better fit for his first job. Still, the draw of Hollywood and the bright lights of L.A. are often too powerful.

Redick might find himself swapping the podcast studio for the sidelines of an NBA floor in the coming months. Then, his ability to coach and lead a team will be put to the test.

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