Lakers Hire JJ Redick as Head Coach on Four-Year Contract

The Los Angeles Lakers have appointed former NBA veteran and ESPN color commentator JJ Redick as their next head coach, signing him to a four-year contract, sources informed ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Redick’s agreement will net him approximately $8 million annually, as reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Sam Amick.

Lakers Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka extended the offer to Redick on Thursday morning, impressed by the 39-year-old’s basketball IQ and rapport with players, according to Wojnarowski. Pelinka is confident that an elite coaching staff around Redick will mitigate the challenges of his transition into coaching.

Redick has begun assembling an experienced coaching staff, with potential candidates including former head coach Scott Brooks, Celtics assistant Sam Cassell, Mavericks assistant and former Lakers forward Jared Dudley, and recently retired Rajon Rondo, who also played for the Lakers, as per Charania.

The Lakers turned to Redick after UConn’s Dan Hurley declined a proposed six-year, $70-million contract to leave his NCAA title-winning program. Prior to the Hurley offer, Redick was considered the Lakers’ top candidate.

Redick’s tenure with ESPN ended after the Boston Celtics won the NBA championship on Monday.

Redick becomes the sixth coach hired since 2010 without prior experience as an assistant or head coach in the NBA, college, or international basketball, noted ESPN’s Matt Williams. He previously interviewed for the Toronto Raptors’ head coaching position and sought a coaching role with the Charlotte Hornets this season. He was also considered for openings with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons.

During his distinguished career, the Duke alum averaged 12.8 points, two rebounds, and two assists over 15 years in the NBA, primarily with the Los Angeles Clippers and Orlando Magic. Known for his proficiency from beyond the arc, Redick boasted a 42% three-point shooting accuracy.

Post-retirement, Redick launched popular podcasts such as “The Old Man and the Three” and “Mind the Game,” featuring Lakers star LeBron James, who holds a $51.4-million player option for the 2024-25 season.

The Lakers dismissed Darvin Ham in May after two seasons, during which he compiled a 90-74 record but did not lead the team to the Finals.