Magic Johnson ‘cautiously optimistic’ about JJ Redick reportedly becoming Lakers HC

Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson is optimistic that JJ Reddick reportedly becoming the team’s new head coach will be a successful move. Reddick had a glorious 15-year career in the NBA and Johnson showered praise on his Basketball IQ.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Los Angeles gave Redick a four-year contract. Pelinka and owner Jeanie Buss met with Redick “over the weekend” before he was offered the job on Thursday morning.

Magic Johnson wrote on X, “I’m cautiously optimistic that this new hire is a success for both the Lakers and JJ Reddick. I enjoyed watching him as a player – great 3-point shooting, high basketball IQ, passion for the game, and mental and physical toughness. If he can bring how he played professionally to the Lakers – this could work out! But will his transition from star basketball player to head coach end up like Steve Kerr, Jason Kidd, Ty Lue, or Doc Rivers or the former NBA players turned coaches who weren’t successful?”

Johnson feels it is imperative for Rob Pelinka to improve the Lakers’ roster if they have to compete well against the Western Conference potent teams.

He wrote in another post on X, “Naming a head coach was just the first step. Even bigger than naming JJ Reddick as the Head Coach, Rob Pelinka’s next step must be to improve the roster if we are going to compete against all the powerhouse teams in the West like the Nuggets, Timberwolves, Mavericks, Suns, Thunder, Spurs, and the Clippers.”

It is well known that Redick has a strong relationship with Lakers star LeBron James, with whom he co-hosts a basketball podcast.