JJ REDICK: THE LAKERS’ CHOSEN ONE
The Los Angeles Lakers announced former 15-year NBA veteran, ESPN NBA Analyst, and podcast host JJ Redick as their next head coach.
During the press conference, JJ’s face lit up anytime competition was mentioned. He responded self-assuredly to proving narratives wrong, “I don’t give a f**k.” He attacked behemoth-sized expectations of coaching the Lakers. This press conference encapsulates who he is: A Competitor.
Redick’s life paints this picture.
2004. Sophomore season. Duke University. Final Four. Redick had a late-game turnover in a loss to UConn. Tormented, he reflected on the season, the turnover, and the defeat and settled on becoming the best player in college basketball as salvation.
He became a two-time National and ACC Player of the Year in his Junior and Senior campaigns. Redick was the best player in college basketball. He accomplished this while becoming Duke Basketball’s all-time leading scorer. He still is today.
Many believed Redick wasn’t an NBA player. He spent 15 years in the NBA. All but one of those seasons ended in a playoff berth.
After the NBA, Redick became a media icon hosting multiple highly successful podcasts, regularly contributing to the top-rated sports show (ESPN’s First Take), and was hand-picked to call the NBA Finals broadcast.
Competition keeps Redick. Chris Collins and JJ built a strong relationship while Collins was an Assistant Coach with Duke.
Both are avid golfers. Redick discovered Collins’ handicap. Collins received a text from Redick. No pleasantries. No checking up on the family. The message had two goals. First, Redick informing Collins he matched Collins’ handicap. Second, to challenge Collins to play at the next available moment.
Refreshing.
Now, Redick embarks on his greatest challenge yet. Leading the Los Angeles Lakers. The news has been mocked. Citing JJ’s lack of coaching experience.
However, does a lack of experience mean a lack of preparation?
Yes, JJ lacks coaching experience but is richly prepared to excel as a coach. He is a fierce competitor. He is a gifted communicator. Forward-thinking. Has a genius basketball IQ. Adaptable.
Each quality has been publicly displayed. So why can’t people see?
Many are perishing because of a lack of vision. Focusing on what was while ignoring what could be. Finding residence in the status quo. They can’t comprehend the new.
“How does a man with no coaching experience deserve to coach the Lakers?" Valid question but there is a higher way.
When you are anointed for greatness, favor finds you; and favor only considers the being, not the resume. In the world, it’s unfair. In the Kingdom, it’s unfailing.
Failure isn’t an option because JJ Redick is the Lakers’ Chosen One.
BY CHRISTIAN JOHN BRADLEY
