The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2024-25 NBA season with high expectations and under the guidance of first-year head coach JJ Redick they have delivered.
With LeBron James still defying age and Luka Doncic fitting into the purple and gold, the Lakers have emerged as one of the top teams in the Western Conference. Their success hasn’t gone unnoticed and one ESPN legend has made his opinion of Redick’s coaching crystal clear.
From the moment Redick took the helm, skepticism surrounded his lack of coaching experience. However, he has silenced doubters by instilling a disciplined, high-IQ system that maximizes the strengths of his star-studded roster.
JJ Redick during a game at Crypto.com Arena.
Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
The Lakers are not only winning but also playing with a level of intensity and execution that reflects Redick’s own work ethic from his Duke days. His approach has earned the respect of his players and is now earning accolades from sports media voices.
Longtime analyst Dick Vitale, who has spent 41 years at ESPN, took to social media to praise Redick’s leadership.
“In his first year of coaching, @jj_redick has done a fantastic job and has earned the RESPECT of the @Lakers players,” Vitale posted on social media. “He has that same work ethic and intensity that he displayed in his starring days @DukeMBB. If I had a Coach of the Year vote in the @NBA, he would get my vote.”
Redick’s rapid rise from the broadcast booth to the sidelines has been nothing short of remarkable. With the Lakers thriving under his leadership, it’s safe to say that Vitale isn’t the only one taking notice. If Redick continues on this trajectory, Coach of the Year recognition might just be on the horizon.