Lakers Eyeing J.J. Redick as Potential Head Coach, Carmelo Anthony Warns Against Ego Clash with LeBron James
ICARO Media Group
In a surprising turn of events, the Los Angeles Lakers have set their sights on J.J. Redick as a potential candidate for their vacant head coach position. The Lakers are reportedly "infatuated" with Redick's coaching potential and see him as a Pat Riley-like prospect who could bring success to the storied franchise, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania and Jovan Buha.
Redick, a former NBA player and media analyst, has garnered attention throughout the league for his basketball knowledge and coaching acumen. Although he has no experience as a head coach at the NBA level, the Lakers believe in Redick's ability to contribute immediately and lead the team for years to come.
However, former New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony has issued a friendly warning to the Lakers organization. Anthony emphasized the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship with superstar LeBron James, stating that if Redick starts believing he knows more about basketball than James, there could be friction.
Anthony, who played alongside James in the past, expressed his belief in James' basketball intellect and shared that any coach who underestimates James's understanding of the game is bound to face problems. While Anthony did not specify a direct concern with Redick, he urged the Lakers to avoid any potential ego clashes that could hinder team chemistry and performance.
J.J. Redick, renowned for his exceptional three-point shooting ability, enjoyed a successful playing career spanning 15 years in the NBA. Throughout his time in the league, Redick played for prominent teams such as the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans, Milwaukee Bucks, and Dallas Mavericks.
The 39-year-old sharpshooter proved himself as one of the greatest three-point shooters in NBA history, knocking down an impressive 1,950 three-pointers during the regular season. Redick's remarkable feat places him among the top 20 players in terms of three-pointers made, surpassing renowned stars like Kobe Bryant, Kyrie Irving, and Steve Nash.
Redick's NBA journey came to a close during the 2020-21 season, where he made appearances for the Pelicans and Mavericks, tallying up 44 combined games. In his final season, Redick maintained a scoring average of 7.4 points, along with 1.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 0.3 steals per game. He demonstrated his shooting prowess, shooting 39.7 percent from the field and an impressive 37.1 percent from beyond the arc.
As the search for the Lakers' 29th head coach continues, recent reports indicate that J.J. Redick is a legitimate contender for the position. It remains to be seen whether Redick's coaching potential will capture the Lakers' decision-makers, but his selection may hinge on his ability to foster a productive relationship with LeBron James.
Given Carmelo Anthony's warning about potential clashes between a head coach and James, the Lakers will need to carefully assess the dynamics and ensure a seamless fit if Redick is ultimately chosen. As the franchise seeks to reclaim its former glory, finding the right balance between coaching expertise and a harmonious superstar-coach relationship will be crucial for the Lakers' future success.