JJ Redick’s Impact as Lakers Head Coach

Leading the Los Angeles Lakers isn’t just a job; it comes with a hefty dose of confidence. You’re stepping into one of basketball’s most prestigious franchises, one that boasts 17 championship banners and has sky-high expectations. The pressure? Immense. So, it’s surprising that JJ Redick isn’t getting the recognition he deserves for what he’s done in his first two seasons as head coach of the Lakers.

In fact, the current perception around him is somewhat comical, and not in a good way.

Let’s be real here—when Redick was brought on board in the summer of 2024, he didn’t exactly step into an ideal scenario. He didn’t inherit a superstar-laden team like the 1996 Bulls or the 2017 Warriors. Instead, he took over a squad that was aging, filled with injuries, and, well, somewhat dysfunctional. Even worse, he had to navigate the intricacies of managing LeBron James, who was, let’s face it, 40 years old and not in his prime.

Oh, and did I mention he had zero coaching experience? No college, no assistant roles, not even a gig in the G League. It’s a head-scratcher.

Initially, everyone assumed Redick would crash and burn. After all, here was a guy who had been sitting across from LeBron, discussing basketball philosophy on his podcast, and now he was supposed to coach him on the court.

Against all odds, he managed to win 50 games in his rookie year. The following season? 53 wins. That’s no small feat. No Lakers coach since Phil Jackson has achieved back-to-back 50-win seasons in their first two years. It’s significant.

In today’s NBA, coaching is less about strategy and more about managing personalities and adapting quickly. Redick has had to juggle multi-millionaire egos and make tough decisions for the greater good. He faced the daunting task of utilizing a roster mid-season without effective rim protection, still leading them to the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.

One of the standout moments of Redick’s coaching was earlier this season when he managed to convince LeBron to take on a lesser role, something the star hadn’t done before. “I’ve never been a third choice in my life,” LeBron admitted. For him to adapt like this speaks volumes about the trust Redick has built within the locker room.

Even with a roster filled with ball-dominant players, Redick found a way to create a cohesive unit, which is no easy task. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka praised his efforts, calling it “incredibly impressive.”

What’s more, Redick led the team through two seasons without the luxury of practice days, all while trying to balance an uncoordinated lineup. It often felt like they were patching leaks in a sinking ship while racing against a fast-paced league.

His ability to switch to a zone defense mid-season showed remarkable adaptability. Adapting was necessary because man-to-man just wasn’t working. The team recognized that playing zone helped sharpen their defensive skills.

That, to me, is what true coaching looks like.

Then, disaster struck when Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves suffered injuries in April. Most teams would have waved the white flag, but Redick pivoted again.

He reinstated LeBron as the main scorer and took the opportunity to develop players like Luke Kennard and Rui Hachimura. Redick had long followed Kennard’s career and understood the intricacies of his game. By giving him more responsibilities beyond being just a spot-up shooter, Kennard achieved a triple-double right off the bat. A week later, during their first-round game against the Rockets, he scored 27 points, which was crucial to an upset win.

Hachimura transformed under Redick’s guidance, evolving from a hesitant player to one of the most dangerous shooters in playoff history, boasting an impressive shooting percentage from beyond the arc. That’s not just good fortune; that’s effective coaching.

While the season didn’t end on the desired note—nobody loves being swept—it was a tough matchup against the young, vibrant OKC Thunder team. And honestly, the Lakers remaining competitive says more about Redick than the result itself.

Now, heading into the offseason, things look promising. The Lakers finally have financial flexibility and a clearer vision of their identity. With Doncic as their main player, the most crucial element is the trust they have in their coach.

Two years back, many scoffed at Redick’s hiring. Now, however, he’s transitioned from a podcast host to a legitimate, respected coach.

And that? That’s real progress.