The NBA’s second-most successful franchise, the Los Angeles Lakers, are set to appoint JJ Redick as their next coach.
The West Coast side have agreed a four-year contract with the former player, according to ESPN.
Redick spent 15 years in the NBA and met with Lakers vice president and general manager Rob Pelinka earlier in the week, eventually being offered the job.
The 39-year-old has never coached in the elite basketball division but has served as an analyst for ESPN and also has a podcast with legendary player LeBron James.
ESPN’s report says Redick won Pelinka over due to his ability to connect with players as well as his IQ.
The plan is to surround him with elite coaches to ensure he can make the jump into his first coaching job accordingly.
ESPN Sources: JJ Redick has agreed on a four-year contract to become the next coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Rob Pelinka offered job this morning and Redick’s started working on a staff to surround himself with experience. pic.twitter.com/G66eVFRALp
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 20, 2024
The Lakers did also offer a deal to college coach Dan Hurley, but the Connecticut boss turned it down.
He was given the opportunity to accept a six-year deal worth $70million, which is believed to be below the number Hurley was looking for.
For Redick, the priority is to continue developing the Lakers’ young crop of stars, including Austin Reaves, Max Christie and Rui Hachimura.
As well as this, he is expected to get the best out of Anthony Davis across the entire court.
Redick played with six NBA teams during his career, the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans, Milwaukee Bucks and Dallas Mavericks.
He averaged 12.8 points per game across 940 during his time as an NBA star and is ranked 20th in history for three-point makes.
