Redick’s appointment as LA Lakers coach has caused a stir

JJ Redick

JJ RedickLAPRESSE

LeBron James isn’t the only one who appears to have JJ Redick‘s back, as Pat McAfee lent his support after his appointment as the new Los Angeles Lakers head coach received widespread criticism.

Reports on Friday suggested Redick has agreed a deal to become the Lakers’ new coach, replacing Darvin Ham after a disappointing 2023-24 season in the NBA.

The former professional player, who retired in 2021 after 15 seasons in the NBA, currently works for ESPN as an analyst.

He will be assuming responsibility in his first coaching role of any kind, with a number of experienced assistants on hand to help him.

Many have pointed to his lack of experience as a major concern, particularly with the Lakers struggling for form. But TV personality McAfee defended Redick and hit out at his colleagues who have been doubting his abilities.

“I don’t appreciate or like how JJ Redick has been talked about by a lot of people who have been co-workers of JJ Redick…” McAfee said on his show.

“Everything he accomplished in basketball would lead you to believe ‘Oh, this guy might be a good coach.’ And now JJ Redick got the job or was seemingly going to get the job. A lot of people on TV are acting like he’s not the right guy for the job.

“None of it really makes sense about the chatter around JJ. Is it because, potentially, they weren’t the ones that knew that JJ Redick was, maybe going to be [the next Lakers head coach], is it at that level of pettiness?”

The key role of LeBron James

Redick and Lakers star LeBron James host a podcast called ‘Mind the Game’, which is popular with basketball fans as the pair give detailed analysis and tactical breakdowns.

James, 39, is an influential figure at the Lakers and it is reported that he backed Redick when the Lakers began their search for a new coach.

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However, Rich Paul told Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes that James was “not involved” in the search to replace Ham, despite his obvious hankering for him to take the role.

It means the four-time NBA champion will be led by a coach several months younger than him, with Redick set to lead a franchise with 17 titles to their name.