Lakers News: Jeanie Buss Discusses Lakers' Choice to Hire JJ Redick as First-Time Head Coach

The Los Angeles Lakers have made a surprising move by hiring JJ Redick as their new head coach, following the dismissal of Darvin Ham after a disappointing playoff exit.

Redick, a former NBA player and standout for ESPN analyst for the NBA, steps into this role without any prior coaching experience, which has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.

Redick gained recognition during his time as a player, especially for his shooting skills, finishing his career ranked 20th in all-time three-pointers made.

He also earned accolades as a standout at Duke University. However, his transition from player to coach is uncharted territory, particularly for a franchise with championship aspirations.

Lakers owner Jeanie Buss explained that the decision to hire Redick on local Los Angeles radio show "Petros and Money ," and that it was driven by a desire for a fresh perspective and a focus on developing young talent.

"We wanted to kind of think a different way," Buss said. "Really, he's got a vision. I'm not comfortable talking about the basketball stuff, but we were looking for a candidate that would bring something different and really invest in developing young players.

"JJ is the right person for us. Again, I just want to work to really speak for itself, so I don't want to hype it and say it's gonna be a home run. We have to give him time to establish what he wants to establish."

The Lakers are looking to maximize the remaining years of LeBron James' career, and they believe Redick can bring a new approach to the team.

To support Redick, the Lakers have assembled a coaching staff with significant experience, including former head coaches Nate McMillan and Scott Brooks. This experienced team will help Redick navigate his first season as a head coach.

"I'm really impressed with his staff," Buss remarked. "Right now, it's not mandatory for the players to come in and practice but players are coming in and working out. The coaching staff with Nate McMillan and Scotty Brooks, there's a lot of experience that will be there for him to make that adjustment to being a head coach.

"Certainly a 12-year career in the league, he's got a lot of experience. He knows what this league is about and I think he'll be a great leader."

As the Lakers prepare for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Redick to see how he adapts to his new role and leads the team. The organization is clearly backing him, and fans are eager to see what changes he will implement.