The Los Angeles Lakers have found their new head coach after striking out on Dan Hurley a little over a week ago.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Thursday that the Lakers have agreed to a four-year contract with JJ Redick to coach the team. Redick has been an analyst for ESPN and met with the Lakers’ front office over the weekend.
Lakers legend Magic Johnson saw the news on Thursday evening and is “cautiously optimistic” about the hire.
“I’m cautiously optimistic that this new hire is a success for both the Lakers and JJ Reddick. I enjoyed watching him as a player – great 3-point shooting, high basketball IQ, passion for the game, and mental and physical toughness. If he can bring how he played professionally to the Lakers – this could work out! But will his transition from star basketball player to head coach end up like Steve Kerr, Jason Kidd, Ty Lue, or Doc Rivers or the former NBA players turned coaches who weren’t successful?” Johnson tweeted.
Redick will have the opportunity to coach LeBron James, which should be fascinating since the two co-host a podcast.
This is his first head-coaching position after playing in the NBA for 15 years. Before that, he played college basketball at Duke.
The Lakers are coming off a first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Denver Nuggets.
Related: The Lakers Have Officially Hired J.J. Redick As Their Next Coach