Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James could potentially become an unrestricted free agent this summer, a move he might make to secure a more lucrative contract as his career nears its end. However, the chances of him re-signing with the Lakers seem to have increased significantly, as the team appears to have identified their next head coach.
The Lakers recently fired head coach Darvin Ham following their first-round playoff loss to the Denver Nuggets. Now, it looks like they’re on the verge of hiring former NBA shooting guard and current ESPN analyst and podcaster JJ Redick. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the team is closing in on Redick as the next head coach of one of the NBA’s most storied franchises.
LeBron James and JJ Redick launched a podcast together called “Mind The Game” back in March. The podcast quickly gained popularity, becoming one of the most prominent in the sports world.
It almost seems too coincidental that LeBron James starts a podcast with JJ Redick, and just a few months later, Redick is hired as the head coach of LeBron’s team. It’s hard to believe that the two didn’t discuss the coaching job before it became available. Whether fair or not, LeBron has a reputation for influencing coaching changes. This will be his tenth head coach in his 22nd NBA season. With rumors circulating that he wants to play alongside his son Bronny, who is eligible for the 2024 draft, it’s plausible he had some influence in this decision.
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That being said, LeBron, arguably the second-greatest player in NBA history, may have earned that right. If he were to leave in free agency, the Lakers would face a bleak future. LeBron is set to begin his 22nd NBA season in October.
