The Los Angeles Lakers enjoyed a very promising first year of coaching from JJ Redick.
It was JJ Reddick who finally secured the LA Lakers head coaching gig in the past offseason after Dan Hurley pulled away as the team’s top contender.
Redick’s latest coach for the Lakers raised an eyebrow considering the fact that he has no previous coaching experience.
Reddick silenced his critics, establishing a reputable debut season calling for the Lakers’ shots, leading the franchise to the third seed in a competitive Western Conference.
Even if the young head coach finds spinning difficulties and makes bold and questionable decisions during the NBA playoffs, the Purple and Gold franchise is dedicated to being built around him.
When they move out of Durbin Ham after two seasons of highs and lows, the Lakers hope Reddick will eventually become the voice of the coaching they were looking for.
Los Angeles saw him as someone who could become Pat Riley in this era, the driving force behind the success of the “Showtime Lakers” dynasty of the 1980s.
Mycal Thompson is a key part of the Lakers’ golden age under Riley’s leadership, and he sees similarities between the two.
“They remind us of each other,” Thompson told former teammate Michael Cooper on CLNS.
“They are very rog-abashed with their knowledge of the game, and they treat you like a man. As long as you’re accountable, they’re very intense and the way they approach the game. (Redick) reminds me of the younger Pat Riley.
“Can he achieve Pat Riley’s success? I hope he does. I was broadcast before his style reminded me of Lyle.”
He added that there are other similarities, saying, “Pat Riley is one of the most handsome coaches ever, and JJ Reddick has stepped into his shoes.
Thompson is a huge fan of Redick’s coaching expertise and potential. Previously, he insisted that the 40-year-old could become the LA version of Greg Popovich within the Lakers.
But Riley and Popovich are both two of the most winning coaches in basketball, and if Redick fits their legacy, time is the ultimate window of truth.
Redick struck his desire to be a long-term coach for the franchise in the aftermath of the Palisade Fire. The way he leads and analyzes the game, he holds a solid shot to become an established presence on the bystander.
With Luka Doncic and Lebron James on his side, he has the opportunity to succeed in the short and long term.