After the Los Angeles Lakers briefly flirted with UConn head coach Danny Hurley, one of the NBA’s most storied franchises settled on hiring JJ Reddick.
Reddick, who will be leaving his position at ABC/ESPN, brings a unique perspective to the Lakers. His connection to the team is not just professional, but personal. He was co-hosting a podcast with none other than the team’s star player, LeBron James, where they delved into the intricacies of the NBA.
It’s worth mentioning that Reddick’s former college coach, Mike Krzyzewski, was consulting the Lakers during their coaching search.
The Lakers’ roster needs several things. The roster needs to get younger; it needs a perimeter shooter, and perhaps the most important thing is that they need to transition the team from James to Anthony Davis.
There’s the shadow of James’ opt-out and Bronny James being in this season’s draft.
That’s a lot for any coach, nevertheless, for a first-time coach.
As much as some older folks may scoff at this, Reddick will be fine with X’s and O’s. Veteran coaches on the staff will help him fill in the gaps and manage minutes and different forms of communication.
The more significant issue is the front office.
Can Rob Pelinka and his staff navigate the new Collective Bargaining Agreement? Does the Lakers have enough money to compete in the world of the first and second aprons? We no longer live in a world where players will go to the Lakers because of history and location. The Lakers are one of the few mom-and-pop franchises that remain in all professional sports.
The Lakers will be the Lakers when ownership and the front office learn how to navigate a world where the franchise isn’t viewed in the same light it was in the past.
If that doesn’t happen, Reddick will not succeed.
