The Los Angeles Lakers are currently looking for a head coach for the next season after firing Darvin Ham.
Considering LeBron James‘ tenure and experience in the league, the star plays an essential role at the Los Angeles Lakers. The star is suspected to have a say in all of the Lakers’ important decisions including hiring the head coach. However, sports writer Brian Windhorst is claiming a contradictory take.
As the Los Angeles Lakers recently fired their head coach Darvin Ham, many potential candidates are being discussed for the position. JJ Redick being one of them, many speculated that LeBron James may try to recruit his podcast partner. But during the Dan Patrick Show, Brian Windhorst denied the rumors.
LeBron doesn't get involved in coaching hires, for years, for many many coaches, he's always taken a distance.Brian Windhorst said
The writer claimed that James has a rule of not getting involved with potential candidates before getting hired. Windhorst added that James’ friendships in the league, just like one with Redick, do not last long, suggesting that the star may not make such an important decision for Redick just yet.
"LeBron's friendships in the NBA tend to fall out as quick as they start. There's a long line of former teammates that he was buddy buddy and when it's over they're gone."
–@WindhorstESPN on the possibility of JJ Redick becoming the #Lakers HC because of friendship w. LeBron pic.twitter.com/WhKsjJJ249
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) May 7, 2024
The rumors of Redick joining the Lakers started because the Charlotte Hornets offered the position to the former player a few weeks prior and the star himself admitted his desire to coach. James and Redick’s podcast together also played a role in adding to the rumors. However, none of the rumors have been confirmed by the Lakers or James as of now about their future head coach.
Stephen A. Smith slams Lakers for firing Darvin Ham
The Lakers fans have had a problem with their head coach throughout this season. Even the players of the team have called out Darvin Ham and have shown disapproval towards the coach. After the Lakers were out of the playoffs in just the first round, it was inevitable for the HC to be parted away from the organization.
However, NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith strongly disagrees with the decision. During ESPN’s First Take, Smith stated the reason behind the Lakers’ poor season was the performance by the players and not Ham.
.@stephenasmith doesn't believe Darvin Ham should've been fired as Lakers' HC.
"He got screwed. It was the wrong decision." pic.twitter.com/lcjX2Ocv2a
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 6, 2024
NBA veteran Charles Barkley also had the same opinion about the Lakers. The star was upset by the analysts blaming Ham for the Lakers’ losses. Only time will tell whether the decision was a good one or a bad one based on what the new coach does for LA next season.