• Loading stock data...
Monday, September 1, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Get your ticket now!

Lakers Hire Former Player, Podcaster, Analyst JJ Redick As Head Coach

  • Redick had hosted a podcast with LeBron James.
  • He’s older than Celtics coach Mazzulla, who just won the NBA title at 35.
Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

The Lakers have found their next head coach. 

JJ Redick, the former three-point specialist and ESPN commentator who recently launched a podcast with LeBron James will now coach his cohost, according to ESPN. Redick reportedly agreed to a four-year contract and was offered the job Thursday morning. 

Since the team fired Darvin Ham in early May, Redick had been considered a front-runner for the job given his ties to James and his basketball acumen, which has been on display since he joined ESPN as a color commentator in 2021. He quickly worked his way up to the broadcast team for the NBA Finals after Doc Rivers, who left the booth to coach the Bucks. 

Just 39, Redick is one of the youngest coaches in the NBA, but not younger than Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, who just won the NBA title at age 35. Redick has no previous coaching experience and will face a steep learning curve. NBA teams have hired fresh coaches with mixed results, from the Steve Kerr Warriors dynasty to Steve Nash’s struggles in Brooklyn. Rivers himself thrived when hired fresh out of the booth to coach the Magic in 1999.

ESPN reported Lakers GM Rob Pelinka believes Redick can adjust quicker than most novice coaches with the right staff around him. Redick takes over the organization a week ahead of the NBA draft, in which the Lakers have long been rumored to draft LeBron’s oldest son, Bronny. Regardless, LeBron, who will turn 40 in December, is expected to opt out of his contract and become a free agent. 

Redick will be the Lakers’ eighth coach since Phil Jackson retired in 2011. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Dallas Wings

WNBA Teams Desperate to Expand Rosters Amid ‘Extreme Hardship’ 

The Wings are scrambling to field eight players Friday night.
Candace Parker

Candace Parker Not a WNBA Owner Yet, but Her Business Is Booming

Her WNBA peers say she made the blueprint for earning off the court.
Breanna Stewart

Breanna Stewart’s Injury Meant Rare Presence at WNBA CBA Talks

Stewart “makes the league sit up straight,” the union director told FOS.
May 24, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban celebrates after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in game two of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center.

Mark Cuban on Why NBA Expansion Isn’t Imminent

Cuban said the next CBA could help solve some expansion issues.

Featured Today

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
August 26, 2025

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
August 23, 2025

Schools Are Hesitant to Allow PE Into Their Athletic Departments

Regardless of budget, schools don’t believe the risk is worth the reward.
Dawn Staley

Dawn Staley Says She Would Have Left South Carolina for Knicks

Staley says she would have made the NBA leap “for women.”
Andy Reid
August 21, 2025

Andy Reid Office Shooting Went Unreported for a Year

Reid was inside at the time but wasn’t injured.
Inter Miami bench
August 21, 2025

Inter Miami Post-Red Card Phone Coaching May Have Been Legal

Javier Mascherano appeared to continue coaching through a call from the stands.
Sponsored

Gareth Bale on MLS vs EPL, Retirement & Buying Cardiff City

Gareth Bale shares his post-soccer business playbook.
August 1, 2025

Belichick Bump Creating Record UNC Ticket Prices

The cost of seeing the NFL legend’s college coaching debut is soaring.
July 28, 2025

Deion Sanders Had Bladder Removed Due to Cancer, Is Ready for Season

Sanders had his bladder removed in May.
July 28, 2025

Bulls Extend Billy Donovan After Rejecting Knicks Advances

The Bulls finished 39–43 for the second straight season.
Mike Brown
July 2, 2025

Knicks Land on Mike Brown After Monthlong Coach Search: Reports

New York still owes Tom Thibodeau $30 million.