JJ Redick will become the next coach of the Los Angeles Lakers when the two parties reach a four-year agreement, sources told ESPN on Thursday.
According to insiders, Redick, an ESPN NBA commentator who spent 15 years in the league as a player, met with Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and vice president and general manager Rob Pelinka over the weekend to discuss the opening. Talks about the position continued throughout the week.
Based on sources, Pelinka made Redick an offer to work on Thursday morning.
Pelinka was won over by Redick’s basketball IQ and his ability to communicate with players. Sources said Pelinka thinks putting Redick with a top coaching staff will help him get through his first coaching position more quickly.
A week ago, Redick took the lead in the search when the Lakers’ final attempt to sign Connecticut coach Dan Hurley proved unsuccessful.
Hurley rejected a six-year, $70 million contract offer from the Lakers early last week, according to sources.
According to insiders, Pelinka still desires a teaching coach and staff that will put an emphasis on the growth of young players like Max Christie, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura and who can come up with innovative ways to feature Anthony Davis on both ends of the court. This is in addition to what he sought with Hurley.
LeBron James, a star player for the Lakers, and Redick co-host a basketball podcast. The two have a close friendship.
