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    Lakers’ Star-Chasing Philosophy: The Potential Risks and Rewards of Pursuing JJ Redick and Dan Hurley

    Sports 5 Mins Read

    The Los Angeles Lakers, above all, are star-chasers. For nearly 60 years, their core philosophy has revolved around landing the big fish and figuring out the rest later. This strategy has worked, shaping their future decision-making. This approach was evident in their recent coaching search, culminating in a late pursuit of two-time NCAA champion Dan Hurley and the consideration of ESPN broadcaster JJ Redick.

    Redick, with a 15-year playing career and a successful media stint, lacks Hurley’s coaching credentials. Before Hurley entered the picture, reports suggested the Lakers saw Redick as a “Pat Riley-like coaching prospect.” There are surface-level similarities between Riley, arguably the greatest Lakers coach, and Redick. Both were decorated college stars who transitioned from playing to broadcasting. However, Riley was a championship assistant before becoming head coach, a crucial difference. Redick might one day become a great coach, given time to grow as Riley did. Yet, new coaches, especially those compared to Hall of Famers, arenā€™t afforded that time, particularly with the Lakers’ short patience for coaches. The next coach will be the seventh since Phil Jackson retired in 2011.

    First-time coaches need proper seasoning, as seen with Jason Kidd, who struggled initially but later led the Dallas Mavericks to the Finals. Joe Mazzulla faced similar scrutiny but may win the championship this season. Redick might have had more time with other teams he’s interviewed for, like Toronto or Charlotte. With the Lakers, failure could irrevocably impact his career prospects. Potentially losing the job to Hurley might be a blessing in disguise for Redick, as it could save him from a high-pressure environment ill-suited for a first-time coach.

    When Riley took over the Lakers in 1981, he inherited a championship team led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The next Lakers coach will similarly inherit LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who led the team to a 2020 championship. However, James is in his 22nd season, and Davis his 13th, mirroring the stage of Abdul-Jabbarā€™s career when Riley took over. The Lakers’ performance without James and Davis highlights the team’s vulnerability. Without both, they struggle significantly.

    The Lakers could bolster their roster through trades, having three first-round picks to offer for a third star or role players. However, adding significant players means sending out meaningful ones due to salary matching constraints. The Lakers face short-term challenges and must decide whether to use their assets now or hold onto them, allowing James and Davis to age out of stardom and rebuilding traditionally. This path likely involves significant losing, given the competitive Western Conference landscape.

    Most Western Conference teams will be as good or better next season, except for the Clippers, who might lose Paul George. The Grizzlies, the conference’s No. 2 seed, will return to full strength. The Rockets and Spurs aim to start winning soon. A deep conference leaves limited playoff spots. If the Lakers couldn’t escape the Play-In round with younger, healthier stars, their future looks bleak with an aging core.

    Redick could be a Riley-level coaching candidate, praised for his broadcasting work and understanding of modern NBA principles. His preexisting relationship with James could provide buy-in from a superstar. However, great coaching careers often depend on circumstances. Rileyā€™s success hinged on inheriting a championship-caliber team. Redick could have Rileyā€™s traits but still fail without the right conditions.

    Hurley, on the other hand, risks little by taking an NBA job. With two national championships, he would remain a top college coach even if he failed in the NBA. Redick lacks coaching experience at any level. If he takes the Lakers job and fails, his resume becomes one misfire, making it harder to land future jobs. Redick might one day have Hurleyā€™s star power and grow into a great coach. However, before taking his first job, itā€™s in his best interest to find one offering the time and space to develop into the coach the Lakers believe he can become.

    Key Points:

    • The Los Angeles Lakers prioritize acquiring star talent and figuring out other details later, a strategy that has worked for 60 years and informs their current decision-making.
    • Their coaching search has focused on high-profile candidates like NCAA champion Dan Hurley and ESPN broadcaster JJ Redick, despite Redick’s lack of coaching experience.
    • Comparisons have been made between Redick and legendary coach Pat Riley, but Redick lacks Riley’s assistant coaching experience and time to develop.
    • The Lakers’ high expectations and lack of patience with coaches, demonstrated by their frequent changes since 2011, could hinder Redickā€™s potential growth and future opportunities.
    • The team’s current roster issues and aging stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, present challenges, making it risky for any new coach, especially one with no prior experience like Redick.

    Fallon Jacobson ā€“ Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News

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