JJ Redick Reaches Milestones as Lakers Validate Bold Coaching Gamble

The Los Angeles Lakers continued their strong season with a 127-113 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, but the night also marked a series of personal milestones for head coach JJ Redick. In the process, Redick secured his 100th career coaching win, reinforcing the success of what was once considered a risky hire.

The victory also ensured that the Lakers would finish with at least 50 wins for the second consecutive season. That achievement placed Redick among an exclusive group, becoming just the fourth coach in franchise history to reach that mark in each of his first two seasons.

Even more notably, he became the first Lakers coach since Phil Jackson to guide the team to back-to-back 50-win campaigns. For a franchise defined by championship expectations, such consistency carries significant weight.

Yet Redick’s path to this point has been anything but conventional. Entering the role without prior coaching experience, he faced immediate skepticism, making his early success all the more compelling.

1. From Unproven Hire to Proven Leader

When the Lakers hired Redick, the decision was met with mixed reactions. Without a traditional coaching résumé, questions quickly emerged about whether he could handle the demands of leading one of the NBA’s most scrutinized franchises. However, Redick’s approach to leadership was shaped long before he stepped onto an NBA sideline. Raised in a family that emphasized mentorship and guidance, he developed a mindset centered on helping others grow and succeed. He has often pointed to his upbringing as a key influence. With both of his parents working as life coaches later in their careers, Redick adopted a similar philosophy, one that values communication, teaching, and connection. That perspective has translated effectively into his coaching style. Rather than relying solely on strategy, Redick has emphasized relationships and accountability, earning the trust of his players early in his tenure.

2. Leadership Roots Trace Back to Playing Career

Redick’s transition into coaching did not happen overnight. During the latter stages of his playing career, he naturally evolved into a mentor for younger teammates, particularly during his time with the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Orleans Pelicans. Although his on-court role diminished in his final NBA season, his influence within the locker room grew. He embraced the opportunity to guide younger players, offering insight and support based on his experience. In the 2020-21 season, Redick split time between the Pelicans and the Dallas Mavericks, sharing the court with players like Luka Doncic and Jaxson Hayes. Even then, his role extended beyond scoring, as he became a voice of leadership within the team environment. Looking back, Redick has acknowledged that these moments helped prepare him for coaching. While he may not have realized it at the time, his instincts to teach and support others were already shaping his future path.

3. Growing Demand and Clear Calling

Despite initial doubts, Redick’s potential as a coach had already caught the attention of several NBA organizations before he joined the Lakers. His candidacy for head coaching roles signaled a growing belief in his leadership abilities. In 2023, he interviewed for the position with the Toronto Raptors following the departure of Nick Nurse. Although the job ultimately went to Darko Rajakovic, the experience proved pivotal for Redick. He later emerged as a candidate for the Charlotte Hornets, further reinforcing the league’s interest in his coaching potential. These opportunities reflected a broader recognition that his understanding of the game extended beyond his playing career. For Redick, the turning point came after his Raptors interview. He left that meeting convinced that coaching was his next chapter, committing himself fully to the pursuit. That clarity has since translated into tangible success, as he continues to guide the Lakers through a strong and consistent stretch.