By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
JJ Redick is the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, the club announced. Redick begins his coaching career at the helm of the Lakers, succeeding Darvin Ham.
Per Lakers:
The Los Angeles Lakers today announced JJ Redick as head coach. Redick becomes the 29th head coach in franchise history and the 25th of the Los Angeles era. A press conference to introduce Coach Redick is scheduled for Monday, June 24, at 1:30 p.m. PT in Los Angeles. Lakers fans can watch the event live on Spectrum SportsNet or on Lakers YouTube.
“We are thrilled to introduce JJ Redick as the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers,” said Lakers Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka. “After a thoughtful and thorough search process, I couldn’t be more proud to welcome JJ, his wife Chelsea, and their two sons to the Lakers family. JJ is a fierce competitor and has an extraordinary basketball IQ and understanding of the modern game that will energize players and excite fans. His rigorous analysis will immediately unlock new opportunities for our roster while setting a foundation for player development over the long term. He brings an intense dedication to innovation, advancing the game and staying at the forefront of an ever-evolving league. Beyond his basketball acumen, JJ has a care for people and genuine empathy that are critical for connecting with players today. This is an exciting time for Lakers basketball.”
Redick, 40, enjoyed a 15-year NBA playing career (2006-21) suiting up for Dallas, New Orleans, Philadelphia, LA Clippers, Milwaukee and Orlando. Of those 15 seasons, the former guard was part of 14 teams that advanced to the NBA Playoffs. The renowned shooter excelled in his role, averaging 12.8 points in 940 regular season games. Redick was a career 41.5-percent shooter from distance and his 1,950 made triples still stand 20th all-time in NBA history.
“I am incredibly humbled to join the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic and successful sports franchises in the world,” Redick said. “This opportunity for me is all about service to the players, team and organization. I want to express my utmost appreciation to Jeanie Buss, Rob Pelinka and the entire Lakers front office. My goal will focus on delivering championship-caliber basketball for Lakers fans everywhere, building on the tremendous history and legacy of the Lakers. I am excited to surround myself with a veteran, innovative staff as we work relentlessly to develop individual players and maximize the team’s potential. My family and I couldn’t be more ecstatic for this new chapter in our lives and look forward to immersing ourselves in the vibrant Los Angeles community.”
Shortly after announcing his retirement on Sept. 21, 2021, Redick joined ESPN as an analyst and was recently promoted to the network’s lead broadcast team. Redick is a co-founder of ThreeFourTwo Productions where he currently co-hosts two popular podcasts, including “Mind the Game,” alongside Laker LeBron James as well as “The Old Man and the Three.”
Selected No. 11 overall in the 2006 NBA Draft by the Magic, Redick played four collegiate seasons (2002-06) for Duke University. As a Blue Devil, Redick was two-time consensus first-team All-American and was named the 2006 Naismith Men’s College Player of the Year. Redick, who remains the school’s all-time leading scorer, had his No. 4 jersey retired on Feb. 4, 2007. The university also announced that Redick will be inducted into the Duke Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024. The Tennessee native chose Duke after a standout career at Cave Spring High School in Roanoke, Va., where he was a McDonald’s All-American as a senior.
Redick and his wife, Chelsea, have two sons, Knox and Kai.