Unexpectedly, the Los Angeles Lakers are No. 2 within the Western Convention.
The Darvin Ham period was stuffed with ups and downs and inconsistency, however that hasn’t been the case with J.J. Redick.
There have been some bumps within the street earlier within the season, however the Lakers have been the most effective groups within the league for a month now.
That’s why Stephen A. Smith believes his former colleague deserves some sturdy consideration for Coach of the Yr.
Speaking on ESPN’s “First Take,” Smith said that Redick, J.B. Bickerstaff, and Kenny Atkinson ought to be on the prime of the record.
“What do you say about JJ Redick? Good Lord have mercy.” 😂 @stephenasmith says Lakers HC JJ Redick is a “coach of the 12 months candidate.” 👀 pic.twitter.com/dPBGENfbnf
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 5, 2025
It’s laborious to disagree with that assertion.
Redick has turned the Lakers’ protection round, and although they clearly want extra depth at middle, they’re nonetheless wanting like a championship contender proper now.
Granted, touchdown Luka Doncic additionally helps, however the Lakers’ turnaround began earlier than he arrived in Southern California.
There have been greater than sufficient causes to have doubts about Redick.
As a lot as he had confirmed to be very educated about basketball, he was entering into a troublesome scenario.
He had simply began a podcast with LeBron James just about dissecting what Darvin Ham was doing flawed, and that was an odd dynamic.
Clearly, he’s completed a terrific job of protecting his private relationship with LeBron James from interfering along with his teaching.
The group has rallied behind him, and although he nonetheless has to show himself within the playoffs, there are causes to be optimistic.
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