The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to dismiss head coach Darvin Ham soon, leading to speculation about who will take over. ESPN has reported that Tyronn Lue and JJ Redick are the top candidates for the position, both with strong connections to LeBron James. Lue, who coached James during their 2015-16 NBA title run with the Cleveland Cavaliers, has significant head coaching experience with 529 games under his belt. Redick, on the other hand, may not have coaching experience but is highly respected in the NBA, and the Charlotte Hornets are reportedly considering him for their head coach vacancy.
Lue, with a career record of 312-217 as a head coach, is viewed as a solid candidate due to his past success with James and his coaching experience with the Cavs and Clippers. In contrast, Redick’s potential as a coach stems from his high basketball IQ and ability to explain technical aspects of the game to players. The rumors surrounding James’s future with the Lakers began circulating after their early playoff exit, but James himself addressed them on social media, stating that he is focusing on spending time with family and friends before making any decisions about his future.
The Lakers, who undoubtedly want James — the all-time leading scorer in NBA history — to return for another season, may benefit from having a head coach he is comfortable with in order to secure his presence. While Lue is a proven coach with a championship pedigree, Redick’s basketball knowledge and communication skills may also make him an appealing choice for the Lakers. With James yet to decide on his player option for the 2024-25 season, the team’s coaching decision could play a significant role in his future plans.
In addition to the coaching speculation, Redick’s potential as a head coach has been bolstered by his work as a broadcaster with ESPN after retiring from the NBA. Redick’s ability to break down complex aspects of the game for viewers could translate well into coaching, as he could use his expertise to help players improve their skills and understanding of the game. Ultimately, the Lakers are in a pivotal moment as they navigate the uncertainty surrounding James’s future and the need to find a head coach who can lead the team to success in the upcoming seasons. Only time will tell who will take over as head coach and what decisions James will make regarding his future with the franchise.
