Mike Krzyzewski, the five-time NCAA Championship-winning coach, expressed his strong support for his former Duke Blue Devils player, JJ Redick, after Redick was named the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Coach K dismissed criticism directed at Redick, stating:
“I don’t say anything to the haters because what they say doesn’t make a damn bit of difference. To think any organization would hire a head coach for glamorous reasons is ridiculous. If we worry about what people say, we’d go nuts. We should only worry internally as competitors, and he’s always only worried about himself. Look at the places he’s gone as a result. I have no doubt this will be no different.”
Krzyzewski emphasized Redick’s dedication and competitive nature, expressing confidence in Redick’s ability to succeed in his new role with the Lakers.
There is merit to hiring a player like JJ Redick as a head coach, as several former players have successfully transitioned into coaching roles. However, Redick’s lack of coaching experience raises valid concerns. The last similar situation was Steve Nash’s hiring by the Brooklyn Nets, which lasted only two years before Nash departed from coaching.
The Lakers reportedly believe that Redick could be a coaching prodigy akin to Pat Riley or Erik Spoelstra, both of whom had substantial assistant coaching experience before becoming head coaches.
A potential middle-ground outcome for Redick’s coaching career could mirror Jason Kidd’s trajectory. Kidd was hired as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets in 2013 without prior coaching experience. While he showed potential, he eventually left Brooklyn and had a mixed tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks. However, with more than a decade of coaching experience, Kidd led the Dallas Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals.
If Redick follows a similar path, he might initially face challenges but could develop into a successful coach with experience and time.
The Lakers’ coaching search has been a hot topic since their season ended, culminating in the firing of Darvin Ham. During their extensive search for a new head coach, the franchise reportedly sought the counsel of Mike Krzyzewski.
“Multiple sources briefed on the matter say one person who has become a respected unofficial resource for the Lakers during the process is legendary Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, whose deep knowledge of candidates, such as Redick and others, provides a lens into the culture the organization wants and the characteristics of a potential staff around the next head coach.”
Krzyzewski’s insights were instrumental in shaping the Lakers’ understanding of the qualities and cultural fit they desired in their next head coach, including a focus on candidates like JJ Redick.
Coach K is among the greatest college basketball coaches of all time and has a strong bond with JJ Redick, who played for him at Duke from 2002 to 2005. This relationship, along with Redick’s connection to LeBron James—his podcast co-host and the star player for the Lakers—likely made the 15-year NBA veteran a more favorable option.
Even if outside factors have influenced the decision, including Dan Hurley famously turning the job down, reports indicate that Redick earned the role with a nuanced breakdown of his vision for the Lakers’ play style. His desire to make Anthony Davis the focal point of the team’s strategy might have convinced the Lakers’ management to prepare for a future without LeBron James. Whether James re-signs or not, Redick will be the franchise’s next head coach, marking one of the biggest coaching gambles in modern NBA history.
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