Lakers’ Jeanie Buss on J.J. Redick hire: ‘We wanted to kind of think a different way’

NBA: JUL 02 Lakers Draft Picks Press Conference

The Lakers are banking on J.J. Redick to break them out of their mold. This is not a franchise that historically was great at non-star player development, something they could overcome because star players (and quality role players) wanted to come there, either via free agency (LeBron James) or trade (Shaquille O’Neal, for example).

With its second apron and other restrictions, the new CBA is forcing franchises to rethink how they build their rosters. That includes the Lakers. They say it’s at the heart of why they hired the inexperienced J.J. Redick as their next coach — maybe it made LeBron and Anthony Davis happy, but the Lakers are banking on this being a long-term move that sets the franchise on a new course. Lakers governor Jeanie Buss talked about it on the Petros and Money show on Los Angeles radio station 570 AM in Los Angeles (hat tip Hoopshype).

“We wanted to kind of think a different way. Really, he’s got a vision. I’m not comfortable talking about the basketball stuff, but we were looking for a candidate that would bring something different and really invest in developing young players. JJ is the right person for us. Again, I just want to work to really speak for itself, so I don’t want to hype it and say it’s gonna be a home run. We have to give him time to establish what he wants to establish. I’m really impressed with his staff. Right now, it’s not mandatory for the players to come in and practice but players are coming in and working out. The coaching staff with Nate McMillan and Scotty Brooks, there’s a lot of experience that will be there for him to make that adjustment to being a head coach. Certainly a 12-year career in the league, he’s got a lot of experience. He knows what this league is about and I think he’ll be a great leader.”

Lakers fans think and hope so, too.

Coaching the Lakers — or being in their front office — presents unique challenges. Make no mistake, the Lakers have distinct advantages. They have a legacy brand. Their massive fan base can mean sponsorship or other opportunities for players. They are in a city with great…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/lakers-jeanie-buss-j-j-183525598.html

Author : NBC Sports

Publish date : 2024-08-23 18:35:25

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