J.J. Redick confirmed as new LA Lakers coach

LOS ANGELES – Former National Basketball Association (NBA) player-turned-pundit J.J. Redick says he is ready for the challenge of taking the Los Angeles Lakers back to the pinnacle of the NBA, after being confirmed as the new coach of the 17-time champions.

Redick, who spent 15 years in the NBA as a player before joining ESPN in 2021 as an analyst, was formally unveiled on June 24 as the successor to Darvin Ham, who was fired following the Lakers’ first-round play-off loss to Denver.

His appointment to such a high-profile position, first reported last week, has raised eyebrows given his lack of coaching experience.

The 40-year-old analyst acknowledged those concerns in remarks to reporters, admitting his emergence as a contender for the Lakers job had been unbelievable.

“This process has been surreal to say the least,” Redick said, thanking the Lakers for “entrusting me in this position”.

“But I take this responsibility very seriously. I have never coached in the NBA before. I don’t know if you guys have heard that.”

The Lakers, whose last championship win came in 2020, finished the regular season with a 47-35 record but were unable to threaten the Nuggets in the opening round of the play-offs.

Redick added that he was under no illusions about the scale of the rebuilding task before him.

“Lakers fans have some of the most passionate fans around the world,” he said. “And the expectation is a championship.

“So that’s my job. It’s our staff’s job... It’s on all of us to deliver a championship-calibre team.”

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said Redick had been appointed after a “thoughtful and thorough search process”.

“J.J. is a fierce competitor and has an extraordinary basketball IQ and understanding of the modern game that will energise players and excite fans,” he said.

“He brings an intense dedication to innovation, advancing the game and staying at the forefront of an ever-evolving league... this is an exciting time for Lakers basketball.”

Media reports say Redick has been appointed on a four-year deal.

He was not first choice, however, as the Lakers were rejected by highly rated University of Connecticut coach Dan Hurley, who opted to remain in college basketball.

Redick has a close relationship with Lakers star LeBron James, with whom he co-hosts a podcast, and Los Angeles are clearly hoping that bond will help turn the team back into title contenders.

During his NBA playing career, Redick averaged 12.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists a game over 940 contests from 2006-2021 with Orlando, Milwaukee, the Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia and New Orleans.

Meanwhile, Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch has signed an extension, the club confirmed on the same day.

ESPN reported the agreement is for four seasons and ends in 2028.

The extension comes after Finch guided the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals for just the second time in their franchise history. Minnesota lost to the Dallas Mavericks in five games.

“I’m proud of the way we’ve been able to establish a great culture here with the Timberwolves and I look forward to continuing to lead this organisation and make our fans proud,” Finch said.

Minnesota went 56-26 this season for the second-highest win total in franchise history.

The Timberwolves were the No. 3 seed in the West and swept the Phoenix Suns in the first round for their first play-off series advancement since 2004.

They then took out the Nuggets in the second round. Minnesota pulled off the biggest Game 7 road comeback in NBA history, overcoming a 20-point deficit en route to a 98-90 win over Denver.

“Chris is a wonderful coach, and an even better person,” president of basketball operations Tim Connelly said.

“We are thrilled that he is being rewarded with a well-earned extension. Under his guidance the team has improved every year, he’s the perfect leader for our organisation.” AFP, REUTERS