New Lakers Coach JJ Redick Sounded Just As Surprised As Fans in Introductory Presser
J.J. Redick was introduced as the next head coach of the Lakers, and his performance at the introductory press conference in El Segundo, Calif. was fit for a podcaster.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 24: JJ Redick talks to reporters after he is introduced as the Los Angeles Lakers new head coach at UCLA Health Training Center on Monday, June 24, 2024 in Los Angeles, CA. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Redick's introduction Monday was far from regal. At the presser, Redick dropped a pair of F-bombs and responded to the slew of criticism he's received since drawing interest from the Lakers with an uncanny background to boast. A lack of coaching experience has been the crux of criticism aimed at Redick.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 24: JJ Redick, right, listens while Rob Pelinka speaks as the Los Angeles Lakers host a press conference to introduce Redick as the new head coach at UCLA Health Training Center on Monday, June 24, 2024 in Los Angeles, CA. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
El Segundo, CA - June 31: Los Angeles Lakers new head coach JJ Redick answers questions during a press-conference at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo on Monday, June 24, 2024. (Photo by Brittany M. Solo/MediaNews Group/Long Beach Press-Telegram via Getty Images)
When asked about his skinny resume at the UCLA Health Training Center, the 39-year-old coach responded with an answer made for the tabloids.
"I really don't give a f---," Redick said, seated next to Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka.
Throughout the news conference, Redick tried slipping into a comfortable place with self-deprecating humor, hoping to add levity to the highly contentious hire.
Redick addressed the Lakers' past interest in hiring elite college coach Dan Hurley as their next coach.
"Dan Hurley is a two-time national champion at UConn," Redick responded. "I am a two-time 55 Swish League Champion in the 3rd and 4th grade division. I understood."
The former podcaster and ESPN commentator really leaned on his comedy to answer the media.
Without offensive or defensive credibility to his name on an X's and O's level, Redick said he's going to use "math" to win NBA games.
Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka made Redick the franchise's 29th coach. Redick also marks the eighth head coaching hire since Phil Jackson retired in 2011.
Without a plan for the future, all eyes are on J.J. Redick to learn NBA coaching on the fly, squeeze the last bit of potential from LeBron James and set the franchise up for the future.
Redick dropped another bombshell during his presser, announcing that he's officially retiring his "Mind the Game" podcast with LeBron James.
James, 39, received a hearty amount of credit from fans after Redick was hired as the new Lakers coach.
"For the time being, and hopefully it’s a very, very long time, I am excommunicated from the content space. There will be no podcasts," Redick said with a smirk.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 24: JJ Redick speaks as he is introduced as the Los Angeles Lakers new head coach at UCLA Health Training Center on Monday, June 24, 2024 in Los Angeles, CA. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
(Will the Lakers make the playoffs in Redick's first year as coach? Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com)
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