During an emotional interview about the LA wildfires, JJ Redick shared his newfound love for Los Angeles, the Palisades and his role as the Lakers’ head coach.
By becoming the head coach of the Lakers, JJ Redick inherited not only the team but also the city that comes with it.
Los Angeles is a lot of things: glamor, glitz, sunshine and summertime vibes all year round. But above all that, it’s a community with its own challenges from the financial, natural and otherwise.
Redick experienced the worst of these challenges this year when the Palisades wildfires destroyed his home and the community he had quickly ingrained himself in.
During an exclusive interview with the LA Times, Redick spoke with Dan Woike about the impact of the fires and his desire to be an Angelino and the coach of the Lakers for years to come.
“I’m not moving again. I’m not moving my kids again,” Redick told The Times as he drove back toward his home for the first time since it burned down in the Palisades fire. “We’re in it for the long haul. I would love to be the Lakers coach for the next 15 to 20 years. If I’m not the Lakers coach, I’m in it for the long haul in L.A.”
In a short time, Redick has ingrained himself as a Laker and a member of the community and isn’t that what you want from your head coach? A person who cares about winning and representing the city well?
Fifteen to 20 years as a coach of the Lakers would be an unreal run for Redick. Currently, John Kundla has had the longest tenure on the hot seat, with 11 straight seasons from the late 40s until the end of the 50s, followed by Pat Riley, who was the coach through the 80s.
While the number is a big one, Redick’s comments speak more to his dedication and desire to be part of Los Angeles and remain a staple in the community. So far, he’s led tremendously on and off the court and continues to be a positive light during a difficult time in Los Angeles.
With Redick assisting in revitalizing the Palisades, what he does for the community may be even grander than his wins as Lakers coach. Ultimately, those lifetime achievements are worth even more than banners inside Crypto.com Arena.
Given that this isn’t an either-or scenario, hopefully, Redick can accomplish both and enjoy each aspect of life.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.