JJ Redick is the reported frontrunner to take over the head coaching role at the Lakers, but former NBA champion Udonis Haslem has warned against it.
Redick and LeBron James has always been close, whether that be in their battles on the court or in the media after Redick retired, but never closer than they are now.
The pair have started their own hugely popular podcast together – Mind the Game.
Haslem pointed out why that might become an issue in the Lakers’ locker room if Redick was the secure the head coaching role.
“If it’s JJ [Redick], you’re going to have a cynical locker room,” Haslem said on NBA Today. “You’re gonna have guys saying ‘Is coach gonna do a podcast after the game with LeBron?’ He’s gonna have a cynical locker room that side-eyes everything JJ says. They’re gonna wonder ‘Is it JJ’s message or is it LeBron’s message?'”
Redick, along with Pelicans assistant coach James Borrego and Boston assistant coach Sam Cassell have “emerged as the franchise’s initial leading targets, league sources told The Athletic.”
But Haslem had a suggestion of his own, which could be seen as slightly bias, considering it is Heat assistant Chris Quinn, who already has some experience working with LeBron.
“I’m not just saying this ’cause he’s my guy but Chris Quinn has relationships coaching LeBron James in Miami…,” Haslem said. “So I know he’s a guy that LeBron respects. Now is he a true, true candidate? Who knows because you might put names out there even though you’ve already picked.”
Interestingly, one source briefed on the situation told The Athletic, “This should be more of a hire about AD than LeBron.”
The latest reports regarding LeBron’s future are that he wants to continue playing for the next two years. But beyond that is unclear.
READ MORE: JJ Redick Reveals Why He Wants to be an NBA Coach