JJ Redick reflected on his remarkable basketball journey and why coaching the Los Angeles Lakers represents another dream realized.
JJ Redick’s path to becoming head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers was anything but conventional.
Redick transitioned into broadcasting following a 15-year NBA playing career and quickly became one of basketball’s most recognizable analysts. He then left the media industry in 2024 to accept one of the most scrutinized coaching positions in professional sports despite having no previous NBA coaching experience.
Two years later, Redick still takes time to appreciate where that unexpected journey has taken him.
“I talked about the idea of finding a dream and pursuing that and what goes into pursuing a dream,” Redick said.
“I had dreams to play at Duke, obviously the NBA. This journey has been beyond my wildest dreams, and I am pinching myself every day that I am at Duke with Coach K. I am pinching myself every day I am in an NBA locker room. I am pinching myself now every day that I get to coach the Lakers.”
Redick’s basketball journey comes full circle
Redick became one of college basketball’s biggest stars during his four seasons at Duke. He played under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, won national player of the year honors and established himself as one of the greatest shooters in college basketball history.
His success helped Redick become the No. 11 overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft. He then developed into a reliable shooter and complementary scorer during a career that included stops with the Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks.
Redick never played for the Lakers, but he understood the expectations attached to the organization before accepting the job. Every coaching decision is examined, and merely reaching the playoffs is rarely considered enough.
That pressure has not diminished Redick’s appreciation for the opportunity.
Lakers entering an important season
Redick is now responsible for leading a franchise that has fully entered the Luka Dončić era.
Los Angeles reshaped its roster during the offseason by adding more youth, shooting and defensive support around Dončić and Austin Reaves. The Lakers also strengthened the interior by acquiring Walker Kessler, giving Redick a legitimate rim protector and pick-and-roll partner for his star guard.
The challenge will be turning those individual additions into a cohesive contender. Redick must establish roles for a deep rotation while helping a roster with several new faces develop chemistry.
His first two seasons provided valuable experience, but expectations will continue to rise as Los Angeles builds around Dončić. Redick will ultimately be judged by how far the Lakers advance in the postseason.
For now, however, Redick has not lost sight of what the position means. After dreaming of playing at Duke and reaching the NBA, he is living another chapter he once might not have believed was possible: coaching one of basketball’s most historic franchises.
