Los Angeles, California – The Los Angeles Lakers have officially named JJ Redick as their newest head coach, signing him to a four-year contract, sources confirmed on Thursday. Redick, a former NBA player who now works as an analyst for ESPN, emerged as the top choice for the Lakers after a series of meetings with the team’s management.

During discussions with Lakers’ vice president Rob Pelinka and owner Jeanie Buss, Redick’s potential to connect with players and his basketball knowledge stood out, ultimately leading to the offer being extended. Pelinka believes that pairing Redick with a strong coaching staff will help him transition smoothly into his first head coaching role.

The decision to hire Redick came after the team’s pursuit of college coach Dan Hurley fell through. Hurley declined a lucrative offer from the Lakers last week, prompting the team to shift its focus to Redick. The team’s priority remains on developing young talent like Max Christie, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura, along with maximizing the skills of veteran player Anthony Davis on both offense and defense.

Redick’s close ties with Lakers’ superstar LeBron James, with whom he co-hosts a popular basketball podcast, also played a role in the decision. The team believes that Redick’s experience as a player and his relationship with James will be valuable assets as they work towards a successful future.

The announcement of Redick as the new head coach marks an exciting new chapter for the Los Angeles Lakers, as they look to rebuild and strengthen their position in the NBA. With Redick at the helm, the team is aiming to not only compete at a high level but also foster a culture of growth and development for all players on the roster.