Is JJ Redick The Next Pat Riley? The Los Angeles Lakers See Potential

The Los Angeles Lakers are looking for their fourth head coach since LeBron James joined the team. This comes after a disappointing playoff exit and the firing of head coach Darvin Ham. 

A few names have popped up for the Lakers’ head coaching job, but the one generating a lot of buzz is former sharpshooter JJ Redick. Redick played 15 seasons in the NBA and was known for his shooting. Since retiring, he’s taken on a more active role in the media.

This time however, it seems Redick might be ready for a new challenge. He was recently named a coaching candidate for the Charlotte Hornets, and now he’s getting serious attention as a potential replacement for Ham.

This being the case, many fans aren’t exactly sold on Redick. But the Lakers seem to be. Reports suggest they’re quite fond of Redick’s potential, even comparing him to a coaching legend like Pat Riley.

The Athletic via The New York Times:

Leaguewide, Redick — a former player and media analyst — has garnered buzz for the position. The Lakers are infatuated with Redick’s potential, according to league sources, viewing him as a Pat Riley-like coaching prospect who could both help the franchise in the short term and lead it for years.