Redick among 'Plan A' targets all along, says Lakers GM
Despite UConn's Dan Hurley reportedly turning down a significant offer to be the Los Angeles Lakers' head coach, general manager Rob Pelinka said the team ended up with one of its top candidates.
Speaking at JJ Redick's introductory press conference Monday, Pelinka said the Lakers were enamored with the former NBA guard from the time they launched their coaching search.
"From the start, he was in our Plan A pool of coaches that we were really interested in exploring," said Pelinka.
Redick's hiring marks his first time working in the coaching industry professionally, something he acknowledged is a far cry from the Lakers' other target.
"Dan Hurley is a two-time national champion at UConn," he said. "I am a two-time 55 Swish League champion in the third- and fourth-grade division. I understood, you know?"
Redick was successful in media following his retirement from a 15-year NBA career in which he shot 41.5% from 3-point range. Along with calling games on ESPN, he hosted two podcasts, including "Mind the Game" alongside current Laker LeBron James.
Despite the pair's relationship, Pelinka said James wasn't involved in the team's hiring process. Redick also said he'll no longer be involved in any form of media going forward.
After a legendary college career at Duke, his long stint in the NBA, and a brief but rapid climb up the media ranks, Redick is ecstatic to begin a new journey despite his lack of experience.
"I've gotten to do some amazing stuff in my life," he said. "This might be the best."