What does Magic Johnson think about JJ Redick becoming LA Lakers head coach?

After weeks of speculation, JJ Redick has finally been named as the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, who were previously turned down by Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies. And franchise legend Magic Johnson has given his seal of approval to the appointment, based on his assessment of Redick as a player (this will, of course, be the 39-year-old’s first coaching position).

Johnson “cautiously optimistic” over Redick

“I’m cautiously optimistic that this new hire is a success for both the Lakers and JJ Reddick,” Johnson revealed. “I enjoyed watching him as a player - great 3-point shooting, high basketball IQ, passion for the game, and mental and physical toughness. If he can bring how he played professionally to the Lakers - this could work out!

“But will his transition from star basketball player to head coach end up like Steve Kerr, Jason Kidd, Ty Lue, or Doc Rivers or the former NBA players turned coaches who weren’t successful?”

The Lakers’ recent NBA disappointments

Since winning the NBA Championship in 2020, the Lakers have suffered a number of disappointments. After losing to the Suns in the first round of the playoffs in 2021, they didn’t even qualify for the postseason the following year. In 2023, they were swept in the Western Conference Finals by the Denver Nuggets, who also comfortably defeated them in the first round of the playoffs this year.

On top of that, they are now no longer the (joint) most successful franchise in NBA History as a result of the Boston Celtics’ winning their 18th title earlier this week.

“Naming a coach just the first step”

Redick therefore has a big job on his hands to get the Lakers back to where they feel they belong, right at the top of the tree. And Johnson believes the new head coach will need plenty of help in terms of strengthening the roster if that is to happen.

“Naming a head coach was just the first step. Even bigger than naming JJ Reddick as the Head Coach, Rob Pelinka’s next step must be to improve the roster if we are going to compete against all the powerhouse teams in the West like the Nuggets, Timberwolves, Mavericks, Suns, Thunder, Spurs, and the Clippers.”

Johnson knows exactly what it takes to be part of a successful Lakers team, winning five NBA Championships with the Los Angeles franchise between 1980 and 1988.

Redick’s Lakers contract and Lebron James link

According to reports, first-time coach Redick, who has carved out a hugely successful media career as an analyst with ESPN and podcaster, has put pen to paper on a four-year contract that will see him earn more than $8 million per season.

And he will work alongside LeBron James, the man he co-hosts a podcast with.

While there has been some uncertainty surrounding whether James will opt into the final year of his Lakers contract, it would now be a huge surprise to see him reject the chance to work with a man he openly respects and admires.