The Los Angeles Lakers have found what they were looking for in their search for a new coach, according to US media reports. The top candidate was first a professional and most recently a TV pundit
A successor to former Lakers head coach Darvin Ham (2022 to 2024) has been sought – and has now apparently been found. According to a report by ESPN, the 17-time NBA champions have agreed a four-year contract with former professional Jonathan Clay “J. J.” Redick on a four-year contract. There was initially no official confirmation.
The 39-year-old played a total of 15 NBA seasons and over 1,000 games as a professional – first for the Orlando Magic, then the Bucks, Clippers, 76ers, Pelicans and Mavericks – and most recently worked as a TV pundit alongside commentator Mike Breen.
According to ESPN, manager Rob Pelinka offered the former three-point specialist the job on Thursday morning. Ham had to leave after the early playoff exit in May. The future of superstar LeBron James, who won the championship with the franchise from California in 2020, is still open.
The 39-year-old has until the end of June to decide whether to extend his contract by a season. However, he can also be signed by another team. James has also not explicitly ruled out ending his career after 21 seasons.
The four-time NBA champion will be part of a strong team at the Olympic Games in Paris.
