This is going to be one of the most compelling NBA stories to watch next season
Duke legend JJ Redick was formally introduced as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday and it’s safe to say he made an impression, particularly with this comment, which is not entirely safe for work.
But he said some other interesting stuff too. The Lakers have immense history and tradition, but they’ve grown a bit stodgy too. So Redick plans to bring things up to date. He alluded to analytics and, perhaps not surprisingly he wants the Lakers to shoot more threes.
He and G.M. Rob Pelinka suggested patience while they build the roster which, as Pelinka pointed out, is going to be more challenging than it used to be.
Bottom line though is we saw a flintier side of Redick than we’ve seen before. During his media career - which he says he’s putting aside, including podcasts - he was willing to be blunt and confrontational. He made it clear Monday that that aspect of his personality won’t change, although he may have more tolerance of his players, at least sometimes.
Ultimately, he said he was coming to L.A. to win championships. That won’t happen right away - Los Angeles has a lot of work to do, and not just on the court. The entire organization needs to be overhauled, and it sounds like that’s happening. The roster needs to be rebuilt and given the traditions and expectations that come with the franchise, as much as Redick might counsel patience, he might not get it, at least not the fans.
Whatever else you can say, the Lakers look to be one of the most interesting stories in the NBA next year.
