The Los Angeles Lakers have begun the search for a new coach. Their hopes are to find someone who can bring the team together and get the most out of the roster’s talent. In the eyes of JJ Redick, it doesn’t matter who they bring in because that person will not help the Lakers achieve their ultimate goal.
On ESPN’s First Take, Redick said that the Lakers’ new coach wouldn’t get them into championship contention. He claims that the core trio of James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook won’t be enough without a better roster around them.
“The Lakers are not contending next season, that’s not gonna happen. And we broke down all the different trade scenarios last week. They’re not gonna be a contender. They’re pretty much stuck next year…There’s no way this core group, those three guys, with their lack of draft picks, with no real money in free agency. They’re not in contention next year. Doesn’t matter who the coach is.”
Later in the segment, Redick said that the group of players the Lakers have is “a bad roster with nowhere to go.” For a team that was once one of the favorites to compete for a championship in the 2021-22 season, this is a huge indictment.
The Lakers could undoubtedly get into the playoffs with better injury luck and a better coach. However, their days of contention may indeed be over if things go even somewhat south again. Although a potential Westbrook trade could reshuffle the roster in a much-needed way, it will take more than that. The surrounding core around James needs to be enhanced.
