The Los Angeles Lakers may not have all of the pieces they want to start the 2024-25 season, but they’re already working hard to win and hoist the 18th banner to hang at Crypto.com Arena.
The roster still lacks a solid man who can take over the starting center job, but they reportedly have plans to set in motion so they can land their starter for the coming season. Aside from that, their offseason has been disappointing for long-time Lakers fans.
While there are plenty of things to be worried about with the Purple and Gold’s roster construction, the biggest question mark still lies with rookie head coach JJ Redick.
The rookie head coach is coming into the hottest seat in the NBA with tons of hype and an equal weight in questions. There’s no question that the retired sharpshooter has one of the most brilliant minds in the league, but his lack of coaching experience causes plenty of discomfort towards fans who want stability within their franchise.
However, the young head coach revealed his reasons for jumping into a complicated position, and it has everything to do with one famous figure in basketball.
JJ Redick reveals Mike Krzyzewski’s help in taking Los Angeles Lakers hot seat
Redick explained during his introductory press conference that Mike Krzyzewski, the head coach who guided him during his time with the Duke Blue Devils, was vital to his ability to get the Lakers job.
He shared that Coach K had a great relationship with the Lakers organization and the Buss family, which urged him not to take the final interview with the Charlotte Hornets. He also revealed that he was instrumental in getting him the job.
Per Lakers Nation’s Matthew Valento:
“And then this opened up and Coach throughout the process was very helpful in terms of just me navigating the interview process. Rob and I’s communication, all of this stuff, Coach was great. He still is – I’ve told the young guys this, I’ve talked to nearly every player on the phone, some guys are ducking my calls, it’s OK – but Jalen and Maxwell, they were like, ‘Hey Coach.’ And I’m like, ‘I’m not comfortable with that. Please call me JJ.’ There’s one person in my life that I played for that I call Coach, and that’s Coach K. He’s still that to me.”
Redick will have Coach K to thank if he finishes his maiden head coaching voyage with the Larry O’Brien trophy. However, he has to cut his teeth with an incomplete Lakers roster that’s aiming for the NBA championship first, and that’s no easy feat to achieve.
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