Lakers’ JJ Redick Keeps Wise Coaching Voices Around Him

If Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick hasn’t convinced you he’s the right man for the job yet, you’re not paying attention. It is apparent and evident that this iteration of the Lakers is simply different and better than those of years past under Frank Vogel and Darvin Ham—and Vogel coached them to a championship not long ago. Coming into the season, Redick’s hire was questioned, and rightfully so, considering he had never coached at any level in the NBA before. However, sixty-plus games into his first season, Redick has proved he knows what he’s doing. Of course, even a good coach needs the right support system in place, and Redick has that on his bench. Additionally, he appears to have another support system from behind the scenes. 

Lakers’ JJ Redick Keeps Wise Coaching Voices Around Him

Lakers Head Coach JJ Redick Has Stan Van Gundy In His Ear For Coaching Advice

Stan Van Gundy coached Redick when the Duke Blue Devil firecracker first entered the league with the Orlando Magic. When Van Gundy was eventually dismissed, he met up with Redick a second time in New Orleans, where Redick played for two seasons with the Pelicans. Redick has spoken in the past about his sometimes tense relationship with Van Gundy but has always expressed his admiration and respect for the former long-time NBA bench boss. With Van Gundy now in the booth, he’s calling games instead of coaching them. Whereas, Redick went from the booth to the sideline and has coached the Lakers to third in the West and look ready to contend for the playoffs. So, where does Van Gundy fit in here? Apparently, he and Redick have continued their relationship behind the scenes in a mentorship/consulting partnership.

Tim Hardaway Sr. appears to have the inside track of the goings-on between Redick and Van Gundy in the shadows. As Hardaway claimed while guest appearing on the Run It Back podcast with Michelle Beadle, Chandler Parsons, and Lou Williams, Redick has been going to Van Gundy a lot this season for advice, and Van Gundy has been welcoming. 

“I’m gonna tell you this way, back in the back, he’ll be calling Stan Van Gundy, because that’s his boy.” Hardaway said, “That’s his guy. And I know Stan is giving him a lot of information about what needs to be done, how he needs to do it, so he’s been listening.”

This is the first we’ve heard of Redick going to Van Gundy for repeated mentorship this season. Still, if what Hardaway says is true, whatever Van Gundy is helping Redick with, it’s showing up on the court with the Lakers and his rookie coaching success.

JJ Has No Shortage Of Experienced Leadership

The Lakers did well in supporting Redick when ushering him into his first-ever head coaching opportunity. Not only did Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka show confidence in Redick’s ability to coach, but they further stamped it by surrounding him with a highly capable coaching staff. Most of the time, Redick stands and paces on the sideline throughout games. However, without fail, when Redick does take a seat, it has been between Scott Brooks to his left and Nate McMillan to his right. Both men have long-standing experience as head coaches in the NBA, and clearly, the respect and trust of Redick.

Now, with Van Gundy in the mix behind the curtain, Redick has some of the best basketball coaching minds he could ask for. It’s no wonder why he’s proving many to be wrong.