LeBron James Pushes for Lakers to Draft Bronny, Hire J.J. Redick as Head Coach

According to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, LeBron James is advocating for the Los Angeles Lakers to draft his son, Bronny James, in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft. Additionally, James is reportedly endorsing J.J. Redick as the potential 29th head coach in Lakers history.

Smith shared insights from his sources, stating, “Let me tell you what else I’ve been hearing. LeBron James is trying to get the Los Angeles Lakers to draft Bronny James with (their) second-round pick. He’d also like for J.J. Redick to be his next head coach. I’m just telling you what I’ve heard.”

Reports from The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Jovan Buha indicate that the Lakers hold Redick in high regard, likening him to former Lakers head coach Pat Riley.

 The team is purportedly impressed by Redick’s coaching potential, viewing him as a valuable asset who could contribute immediately and lead the franchise in the long term.

Anthony Irwin of Lakers Daily further corroborated these claims, suggesting that the Lakers have focused their attention on Redick as a replacement for former head coach Darvin Ham.

Regarding Bronny James, Smith speculated recently that his draft stock might be intentionally manipulated to facilitate a landing with the Lakers, given that the team holds the No. 55 overall pick, close to his ESPN ranking of No. 54.

Bronny James, prior to declaring for the NBA Draft, showed promise during his collegiate stint, exhibiting potential on both ends of the court. While not dominating the college scene, he displayed glimpses of his capabilities, such as a season-high 15-point performance against Oregon State University.

With uncertainty surrounding both Bronny James’ NBA prospects and Redick’s coaching abilities, the Lakers face a pivotal decision. However, if fulfilling LeBron James’ wishes aligns with the team’s objectives, drafting Bronny and hiring Redick could be considerations worth exploring.