Lakers Rumors: Stan Van Gundy Is ‘Natural Target’ For JJ Redick’s Coaching Staff https://t.co/MLbG7JVA59 via @lakersnation
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 24, 2024
With a new head coach that has no coaching experience in JJ Redick, putting together the right coaching staff is even more important. As has been previously reported, the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to add multiple former head coaches on Redick’s staff in order to help him navigate the day-to-day trials that come with being an NBA head coach.
Former Oklahoma City Thunder and Washington Wizards head coach Scott Brooks has been brought up as a potential staff member, but another big name could be on the horizon as well in former Miami Heat, Orlando Magic and New Orleans Pelicans head coach Stan Van Gundy.
According to NBA reporter Marc Stein, Van Gundy could be a target for Redick’s staff due to his experience and prior relationship with the new Lakers coach. However, he is still going through some personal issues and may not want to get back into the coaching life:
Stan Van Gundy is a natural target for JJ Redick’s first coaching staff with the Lakers given Van Gundy’s head coaching experience, his reputation for building defenses and, of course, his history with Redick after serving as his first NBA coach in Orlando.
Van Gundy, though, recently revealed in a podcast interview with Dan Le Batard that he worked this entire season while dealing with intense grief after the death of his wife Kim last August. The 64-year-old former Heat/Magic/Pistons/Pelicans coach worked as a game analyst for TNT all the way into the Western Conference finals, but it is unknown whether Van Gundy is prepared to return to rigors of day-to-day coaching.
The life of an NBA coach is extremely difficult to deal with mentally and for someone still dealing with a personal loss like Van Gundy is, it could be too much. If he does have the desire, however, Van Gundy does make sense as that lead assistant coach for Redick and the Lakers.
I’m hoping JJ will reach out to Stan and maybe joining him on the Lakers could be the best way for him to get past his grief and start living again. Stan would be an excellent mentor for JJ considering he coached him when he was a player.
Did not know that about SVG’s wife. : (