J.J. Redick’s ability to lead the Lakers locker room is questioned by Udonis Haslem.
After LeBron James joined the team in 2018, the Los Angeles Lakers are looking for a new head coach for the third time. Although the Lakers did win a championship during that time, they haven’t had nearly as much success since. Now, there are whispers that J.J. Redick could be the team’s salvation.
Compared to the other possibilities, Redick is the least experienced, having never held the position of head coach or even assistant. However, everyone starts somewhere, thus Redick is still capable of succeeding as an NBA head coach even if he doesn’t currently have any experience.
However, Udonis Haslem, a former forward for the Miami Heat, doesn’t think Redick can succeed in leading LeBron James and the Lakers. Haslem made the following remarks on ESPN’s NBA Today.
“If J.J. (Redick) is involved, the locker room will be a cynical place. Guys will ask questions like, “Is coach going to do a podcast with LeBron after the game?” There will be a jaded locker room full of guys who will look down on anything J.J. says because they will question, “Is this J.J.’s or LeBron’s message?”
J.J. Redick and LeBron James co-host a podcast called Mind the Game. Even though Haslem’s remarks are humorous, it’s difficult to see James and Redick sticking to their podcast format if they were to join forces with the Lakers.
Still, Haslem makes a valid point. It might not go over so well in the locker room if the Lakers get Redick since it would almost feel like they are employing LeBron’s friend. LeBron may be happy about it, but what about the other players on his squad who genuinely need on excellent coaching to make the most of their talent sets?
In any case, it will be interesting to follow the Lakers’ search for a new head coach this summer.
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