One observer believes Anthony Davis would seek a trade if the Los Angeles Lakers struggle early on with JJ Redick at the helm.
The Lakers recruited Redick on Thursday, June 20, following much speculation. Redick, who spent 15 seasons in the NBA, signed a four-year contract with Los Angeles.
Redick is a rookie head coach, and the Lakers face some serious problems as they build their squad around Davis and possibly LeBron James, who is contemplating his options.
ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins believes Davis will seek a trade and force his way if the team is not on track to be a contender.
“I want to see how it goes with Anthony Davis, because I’m going to give it until the All-Star break,” Perkins said following the hire. “If JJ Redick isn’t thriving, and Anthony Davis isn’t playing at an elite level and is unhappy, I wouldn’t be surprised if he wants to leave Los Angeles. I’m going to give it till the All-Star break.”
Perk believes AD could demand a trade.
“If JJ Redick isn’t thriving, and Anthony Davis isn’t playing at an elite level and is unhappy, I wouldn’t be surprised if he wants to leave Los Angeles. “I’m going to give it until the All-Star break.”
Perk thinks AD could demand a trade
"If JJ Redick is not thriving and Anthony Davis is not playing at an elite level and he's not happy, I wouldn't be surprised if he wants out of LA. I'm gonna give it til All-Star break."
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24 )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 20, 2024
Perkins offers some intriguing speculation. However, The Athletic stated that Davis played a hand in selecting Redick as his next head coach.
“The decision to choose Redick came as the Lakers, led by Pelinka, prioritised Davis’ voice in the process and ensured that he understood the shared vision,” according to The Athletic.
JJ Redick Has a Plan to ‘Elevate’ Anthony Davis
Redick is an inexperienced coach but a well-known former player. He also has relationships with James (with whom he co-hosts a podcast) and Davis.
Part of what sold the Lakers on Redick was his explanation of how he would deal with the team’s two stars.
“He explained his decision-making process when it comes to strategy, how the analysis and empirical evidence would always guide his choices rather than preconceived notions or outdated beliefs,” according to The Athletic. “Redick suggested a system built around this squad, with an emphasis on increasing Anthony Davis’ involvement, particularly late in games, and relieving James of his regular ballhandling duties by utilising him more off the ball.
Keeping James, who turns 40 in December, fresh for the rest of the regular season and into the playoffs will be vital.
James and Davis were both All-Stars last season. Last season, the tandem averaged over 50 points per game for the Lakers.
Lakers legend Magic Johnson is ‘cautiously optimistic’ about Redick’s hire.
Redick’s employment has sparked strong reactions. Magic Johnson, a Lakers great, reacted to the decision on social media.
“I’m cautiously optimistic that this new hire is a success for both the Lakers and JJ Redick,” Johnson told X. “I enjoyed watching him as a player because of his excellent 3-point shooting, strong basketball IQ, enthusiasm for the game, and mental and physical tenacity. If he can bring his professional playing style to the Lakers, this could work! But will his transition from top basketball player to head coach be as unsuccessful as those of Steve Kerr, Jason Kidd, Ty Lue, Doc Rivers, and other former NBA players turned coaches?
The Lakers are eager to offer Redick the assistance he requires. According to The Athletic, probable assistant coaches include Rajon Rondo, Jared Dudley, Sam Cassell, and Scott Brooks.
