Los Angeles Lakers Next Head Coach Odds: JJ Redick Favored to Replace Darvin Ham

The Los Angeles Lakers were bounced in the first round of the playoffs, and despite a season that featured the illustrious victory of the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament title, head coach Darvin Ham was fired Friday afternoon.

That adds the Lakers' next coach odds to the list of intriguing things surrounding the Lake Show this offseason, as LeBron James may not be wearing the purple and gold himself next year.

There is no short of potential options to fill the Lakers' coaching role, including familiar faces, first-time coaches, or possibly even coaching reunions. 

Los Angeles Lakers next coach odds

Odds as of 5-3

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Favorite to become next LA Lakers head coach

J.J. Redick (+250 | 28.57% chance)

Any discussion about the next Lakers coach begins and ends with one thing — how well can they co-exist with LeBron, who has basically been a player/coach/GM for years.

Right now, nobody on this list has a better rapport with 'Bron than Redick, who co-hosts the "Mind the Game" podcast with James; where they both nerd out on basketball Xs and Os and talking about the more technical aspects of the Game.

Redick, who also works as an analyst for ESPN, doesn't have any actual coaching experience... but is that necessary when LeBron calls the shots anyways? He gets a smart basketball mind, a close friend of his, and someone who think on the same wavelength as him.

Long shot to become next LA Lakers head coach

Phil Handy (+1100 | 8.33% chance)

Sticking with the James continuity theme, Handy — one of the current assistant coaches for the Lakers — also fits the bill.

He worked with LeBron in Cleveland, prior to re-joining the Lakers in 2019, so he and James have familiarity. He's been a part of three NBA Championship staffs, so he understands how to win. He's also regarded as less of an Xs and Os person (not an issue with LeBron) but has a track record of developing young talent — which possibly makes him even more appealing in the event James leaves and the team goes into rebuild mode.

Some offshore operators have had Handy posted as short at 3/1 to be Ham's successor... so getting longer than 10/1 poses some real interesting value.

If the Lakers opt for a head coach with experience

Mike Budenholzer (+800 | 11.33% chance)

Coach Bud's run in Milwaukee — a .693 win percentage (.600 in the postseason) and one NBA title in five seasons — should be enough to have him considered for any job that requires winning with some immediacy, but the two-time Coach of the Year also has experience working with a megastar, as he coached Giannis Antetokounmpo during his time with the Bucks.

Further helping Budenholzer's case may be what happened to Milwaukee this season after his departure; following a 58-24 record (good for first in the East but a shocking first-round exit to eventual conference champion Miami), the Bucks went 49-33 this year (with two head coaches) before again getting embarrassed in the first round — this time against the upstart Pacers.

Lakers next coach pick

By Jason Logan

David Adelman (+2,000)

Adelman is one of the most sought-after assistants in the NBA, stacking his resume with championship experience on the Denver Nuggets staff — the team that just so happened to send LeBron & Co. packing the past two postseasons. He has a solid coaching pedigree, passed down from his dad Rick Adelman, and it shows in his blueprint for the Nuggets’ offense.

Another notable name — that’s not on the odds board, however — is newly-retired NBA guard Rajon Rondo. While he hasn’t held a coaching position at the pro or college levels, he’s regarded as one of the smartest players of his generation and got the thumbs up from LeBron himself during James and Redick’s podcast series. Rondo would be able to lean on LeBron as he got his feet wet as an NBA head coach.

As a Lakers fan... I don’t hate this idea.

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