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Coach Redick Promises To Extend LeBron’s Career by 6 Years

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The Los Angeles Lakers are currently looking to fill in their empty Head Coach position and JJ Redick is rumored to be the top option for the LA side to hire. Even though he lacks the basic coaching experience, unlike other candidates on the list, Redick’s strength comes in from his intimacy with the locker room dynamics. He can relate and connect with other players on a deeper level. In his 15 years on the court, Redick knows what it means to be a part of the team and how one can navigate the dynamics between a player and a coach.

Redick also possesses a vivid basketball IQ. It is quite evident with his various podcast content, exuding the kind of knowledge on the sport no other podcast gives out. He can easily dissect a gameplay and offer suggestions as to what a particular player and a team can do to enhance their game. This is something he did with LeBron James in episode 7 of their podcast, Mind the Game.

Even if he is not the official coach and just a candidate, he was offering James “coaching advice” on how to better his game while discussing 3-pointers and the latter’s contribution to his team as an offensive player. JJ said, “You attacking the basket is what makes an offense work,” and discussed LeBron James’ ability as a player to create windows for his teammates. He said, “You could individually say, ‘F*ck it’ I’m shooting 15 3-pointers tonight,’ but is that the best way for a team to run an offense?” highlighting the importance of putting your team first. LeBron agreed with his co-host and recognized the importance of attacking the basket.

He talked about how a player can score well when the offense is opened up by “Driving into the lane and making plays.” To which Redick quipped in and playfully said, “Playing another six years just being a spot-up shooter maybe?”

Redick indirectly suggested that LeBron take a slightly different route this time. “I think you should just do a complete heel turn next year,” he said. Regardless, James said he felt he did okay from the 3-point line this year, considering he’s shooting 41.6% — his career best. But Redick did not stop there. He offered to help LeBron out.

He said, “I’m gonna send you all my tapes, I’m gonna send you all my highlight videos.” JJ’s suggestion was to become an off-ball movement ‘catch and shoot’ guy, “just flying off screens, leaning, falling away.”

JJ’s suggestions to LeBron were interesting in light of the Head Coach rumors. If anything, they added fuel to the fire. As speculations swirl around the Lakers’ coaching vacancy, Redick’s name stands out. But JJ Redick is not the only name on Los Angeles’ mind.