Blue Devil Country

Insider: Lakers 'Infatuated' by Duke Basketball Great

Duke basketball treasure JJ Redick is reportedly already eyeing candidates for a potential Lakers staff.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball guard JJ Redick
Duke basketball guard JJ Redick / Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
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It may be only a matter of time until all-time Duke basketball scorer and former 15-year NBA sharpshooter JJ Redick becomes the 29th head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Although a hire is by no means official, the current ABC/ESPN broadcaster and popular podcaster (now in a joint effort with Lakers superstar LeBron James) has been all the talk of late among league's experts.

"I will be very surprised if their next head coach is anybody but JJ Redick," NBA insider Chris Haynes said about the Lakers' search during his Wednesday morning chat on the Dan Patrick Show. "Everything that I'm hearing is JJ Redick. From what I know, he's doing some background, calling some assistant coaching candidates who might be able to join his staff or might not be able to join his staff.

"I'm pretty positive it'll be JJ."

On Wednesday night, The Athletic's Jovan Buha appeared on FOX 11 Los Angeles and echoed Haynes' report with what all he's been hearing about the franchise's fondness for the 39-year-old Redick despite his lack of coaching experience:

"All signs point toward JJ Redick likely becoming the Lakers' next head coach," Buha explained to FOX 11's Elex Michaelson. "He's been the frontrunner in league circles for the past 2-3 weeks...They've compared him internally to [Hall of Fame Lakers head coach] Pat Riley, a young Pat Riley, who made the jump from color commentator to assistant coach and then, shortly after that, head coach.

"So, they're high on JJ Redick. They're infatuated by his potential. And it does seem like this is the way that this is trending."

For now, the Atlanta Hawks' Quin Snyder is the only Duke basketball alum serving as a head coach in the NBA.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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