Report: Lakers Don’t Believe Tyronn Lue Will Become Available, Have ‘Zeroed In’ On JJ Redick

Lue has one year left on his contract with the Clippers, who have been waiting on the Lakers to hire a head coach so they have leverage in contract extension talks with Lue. 

The Lakers, who fired Darvin Ham after two seasons, have “zeroed in” on JJ Redick. 

“Sources close to the situation speaking on the condition of anonymity say the Los Angeles Lakers are operating with the understanding that Tyronn Lue will not be available this offseason and have zeroed in on JJ Redick as their next head coach,” Irwin wrote. “Previously, it was thought they would not move forward with anyone until they got clarity on that situation. Sources say the Lakers have gotten that clarity to the extent that they can without breaking tampering rules and are now moving on.”

Redick is podcast partners with Lakers superstar LeBron James, who can become an unrestricted free agent this offseason by declining his 2024-25 player option. The leading scorer in NBA history is expected to remain with the Lakers. 

Los Angeles is seeking a head coach who will command the locker room, hold players accountable, tirelessly gameplan and provide a level of structure. 

“Sources close to the Lakers say Redick is seen as someone who is incredibly organized, communicates well, and displays the kind of attention to detail in his analysis that makes them comfortable hiring not only a first-time head coach, but someone who has spent no time at all on a high-level coaching staff,” Irwin wrote. “Redick’s 14-year career as an impact player and his relationship with James lead them to believe he’ll be able to hold players accountable, sources say.”

LeBron and Anthony Davis are two of the best players in the NBA. However, the Lakers haven’t been back to the Finals since winning the championship in 2020. 

LeBron and Davis have been teammates since 2019-20. The Lakers won the 2020 title, lost in the first round of the 2021 playoffs to the Phoenix Suns, missed the 2022 playoffs, lost in the 2023 Western Conference Finals to the Denver Nuggets and lost in the first round of this year’s postseason to the Nuggets.