Los Angeles Lakers Rumors: Why Potential Hiring of LeBron James’ Friend Could ‘Poison’ LA Locker Room

The LeBron James Factor Amid JJ Redick’s Chances of Becoming Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach

One of the top arguments against the Lakers hiring Redick as a head coach involves his apparent closeness with Los Angeles superstar forward LeBron James.

Via Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times:

“Some see Redick as a bright, analytically driven basketball mind with a top understanding of the game and excellent communication and presentation skills. Some wonder if Redick’s business relationship with LeBron James would poison his ability to connect with the rest of the locker room, an opinion prominently voiced on television by Udonis Haslem.”

It’s a fair concern about Redick. If James sticks with the Lakers and the team hires Redick, what’s the assurance that Redick’s close ties with James wouldn’t affect how the rest of the team is treated?

Apart from that, there is uncertainty about his coaching abilities, given his lack of experience in the said position. That being said, Redick comes across as someone with a smart basketball mind.