NBA World Reacts to JJ Redick Becoming Lakers' Next Head Coach

Kristen Wong | Jun 20, 2024

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

What might have been the biggest question of the NBA offseason was answered on Thursday afternoon: JJ Redick is the Los Angeles Lakers’ new head coach.

Redick and the Lakers reportedly agreed to a four-year contract worth over $8 million per season on Thursday.

Redick’s hiring ends months of speculation surrounding the Lakers’ head coach vacancy and adds an exciting wrinkle into the ongoing media war between ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and The Athletic’s Shams Charania. Wojnarowski previously reported that UConn’s Dan Hurley was the Lakers’ top pick for the head coaching job, but Hurley ended up turning down the Lakers’ six-year, $70 million contract offer.

The 39-year-old Redick, a 15-year NBA veteran, popular podcaster and former ESPN analyst, is now set to start the first coaching gig of his career. 

The NBA world reacted to the news with plenty of congratulations in store for Redick, as well as some light-hearted jokes sprinkled in between.

Congrats to my man @jj_redick. Anyone who knows anything about you knows that you have that coaching itch. Wishing you nothing but the best. https://t.co/ydUdKpFHXk

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 20, 2024

JJ Redick went from being the most hated man in men’s college basketball at one point to the Lakers head coach decades later without a single coaching stint above youth level. Unbelievable but also very believable here in America. pic.twitter.com/gK0YVvR6Og

— Chris Williamson (@CWilliamson44) June 20, 2024

JJ really just opened the door 🚪 congrats 🎉 🍾 gang

— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) June 20, 2024

My bet is JJ Redick will end up a good head coach. He’s driven, intelligent, a major competitor, and meticulous in his attention to detail. These are qualities that the best coaches all have. Can’t wait to see how this all works out with the Lakers.

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 20, 2024

Where @colincowherd was eating lunch when JJ Redick agreed to become the new Lakers head coach pic.twitter.com/XbS1CMEqVD

— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) June 20, 2024

Would like all NFL teams to know that as someone with extensive podcasting experience, I am open to head coaching opportunities.

It's so I can get fired after 4 games and keep all the money. But I am open to them!https://t.co/EE6MDvmVNO

— Robert Mays (@robertmays) June 20, 2024

shams at home seeing everyone confirm the Lakers hiring JJ Redick https://t.co/JrR04tDBb1 pic.twitter.com/MnFmdccOfg

— Rob Lopez (@r0bato) June 20, 2024

JJ Redick at the Lakers facility pic.twitter.com/4r2PBCrala

— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) June 20, 2024

JJ Redick calling his own number on the Lakers when the offense breaks down pic.twitter.com/dYeYQGmFnU

— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) June 20, 2024

jj redick doing betterhelp ad reads after the lakers start the season 2-15 pic.twitter.com/Tsw4qgWPat

— sean yoo (@SeanYoo) June 20, 2024

JJ Redick as a rookie coach pic.twitter.com/QzSZfLRpEJ

— BrickWrld (@BrickWrld_) June 20, 2024

LeBron and Anthony Davis next season with JJ Redick running a real offense pic.twitter.com/YDFBJJwCd0

— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) June 20, 2024