Lakers' JJ Redick was forthcoming and honest in introductory news conference

JJ Redick did not dodge any of the uncomfortable questions in his introductory news conference as Lakers head coach. Instead, he was forthright and candid with every last question.

When asked about being the Lakers' second choice after Dan Hurley's publicized rejection , Redick admitted that the Lakers were justified in prioritizing a two-time NCAA championship-winning coach over someone with zero coaching experience at any level.

"At no point was my ego or feelings hurt or bruised in any way," Redick said recalling the period when the Lakers were linked to Hurley . "Dan Hurley is a two-time national champion at UConn. I am a two-time 55 swish league champion in the third- and fourth-grade division [coaching kids]. Like, I understood, you know? I understood."

When asked about the role LeBron James played in him landing the Lakers job, Redick said he did not speak to his podcast co-host until after the fact.

"We did not speak until 30 minutes after I was offered the job. And that was very intentional on both our parts. He did not want to get involved in the process, and I didn't want to go down the road of hypotheticals with someone I have so much respect for."

Redick also addressed the notion of players in the Lakers locker room being skeptical of his friendship with James — an insinuation made by other former players — and other misconceptions about him. Redick said he's "heard everything" but doesn't care to dispel any of it.

"I don't really have a great answer because I don't really give a [expletive]. I want to coach the Lakers. I want to coach the team. I don't want to dispel anything. I want to become a great coach in the NBA. I want to win championships. I want my players to maximize their talents. That's all I gave a [expletive] about."

While Redick will follow in the footsteps of player-turned-coaches with no prior experience, he believes his "training" to be a coach began 22 years ago when he first played under Mike Krzyzewski at Duke. Furthermore, Redick believes his time in the media helped him prepare for the role.

"Being able to connect with the players, talking to them on the podcasts, being in coaching interviews, calling and analyzing the games — all of that has helped prepare to be an NBA head coach."

Redick's mettle will be tested when his Lakers endure a losing streak and his ex-colleagues in the media question his tactics. Will he be just as forthright then? A soap opera could be ensuing in Laker land shortly.