As the 2024 offseason approaches, former NBA sharpshooter JJ Redick has emerged as a potential coaching candidate for the Los Angeles Lakers. Redick, who transitioned from being a podcast host to a potential head coach, has become one of the most talked-about names in basketball. According to Dave McMenamin on the Dan Patrick Show, Redick is being considered as a potential candidate to take over as the Lakers’ next head coach.

Following a season filled with turmoil and inconsistency, the current head coach’s grip on the locker room has begun to loosen. The tipping point came with the Game 2 loss to the Nuggets, where the Lakers squandered a 20-point lead. Although they managed to avoid a second consecutive sweep, they couldn’t mount a significant challenge against the Nuggets and ultimately lost the series in five games after dropping the first three.

Redick, a 15-year NBA veteran, is reportedly one of the early contenders to replace the current head coach during the upcoming summer. However, his lack of head coaching experience makes him a potentially risky choice. On the other hand, his close relationship with LeBron James as a friend and podcast co-host could ensure his loyalty and longevity within the organization. As a relatively young and relatable retired athlete, Redick possesses the ability to earn the respect of players and remains connected to effective coaching methods.

Despite his limited coaching experience, Redick’s extensive basketball knowledge, showcased through his media works on ESPN, “The Old Man & The Three,” and “Mind The Game,” could make him effective in a coaching role. Other potential candidates include top assistant Phil Handy and championship-winning coach Mike Budenholzer.

With time running out to maximize the potential of the current roster, the Lakers cannot afford to be patient and hope for improvement from the current head coach. 

They must take decisive action if they want to continue winning with LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the team. Finishing 7th in the Western Conference this season and only securing a single playoff win, the Lakers need significant changes to achieve success.

The biggest question revolves around LeBron James’ future. If he were to leave the Lakers or retire from the NBA, the franchise would face considerable challenges in recovering and might have to undergo a complete rebuild. However, if LeBron has a few more years left, as many expect, the Lakers still have an opportunity to help him secure one last championship.

Fortunately, the Lakers currently have some flexibility in their salary cap and several contracts set to expire this summer. This situation could potentially pave the way for the arrival of quality role players or even a star player like Trae Young.

Regardless, changes are inevitable this offseason, and the extent of those changes will greatly impact the team’s performance next season. Only with a revamped roster and a new identity can the Lakers hope to compete with the elite teams in the Western Conference. The coach, whether it’s the current head coach or JJ Redick, will need the right personnel to make a legitimate championship run.