The Los Angeles Lakers embarked on a new journey on Monday afternoon, introducing JJ Redick as their new head coach.
The announcement was met with some skepticism due to Redick’s lack of coaching experience at any level. However, his extensive playing career and reputation for high basketball IQ make the transition from media to coaching a natural progression for him.
Throughout the hiring process, Redick, being a media personality himself, encountered numerous misconceptions about his capabilities. When asked if he is eager to prove doubters wrong, Redick expressed indifference.
“It’s a valid question, and I’ve certainly heard everything,” Redick acknowledged. “The past six weeks have been really interesting in terms of being part of the engagement farming industry. However, I don’t have a great answer for your question because I really don’t care. I want to coach the Lakers, focus on the team, and not worry about dispelling myths. My goal is to become a great NBA coach, win championships, and help my players maximize their careers. That’s all I care about.”
Redick appears to have the right mindset for his new role, understanding that criticism comes with the territory of coaching the Lakers. His focus remains on returning the team to championship contention.
Every successful head coach needs a bit of an edge, and Redick has demonstrated this trait since his days at Duke, continuing through his recent introductory press conference in Los Angeles.
Understanding the Championship Expectations
During his 15-year playing career, JJ Redick never secured an NBA Championship, but he is well aware of the high expectations that come with coaching the Lakers.
“The NBA is evolving rapidly, and coaching requires adaptability,” Redick said. “You need to be adaptable to your roster and flexible in game-planning against opponents. This is something I aim to excel at. Sitting in this seat, I understand the expectations. Lakers fans are among the most passionate in the world, and the goal is a championship. It’s my responsibility, along with our staff and management, to build a championship-caliber team. That’s the commitment I’ve made.”
