Joel Embiid Doesn’t Think Lakers Job Is ‘Perfect Situation’ For JJ Redick

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid doesn’t think the Los Angeles Lakers coaching job is the “perfect situation” for JJ Redick, who has never coached in the NBA. 

Redick signed a four-year deal worth in the neighborhood of $8 million per season with the Lakers, who fired Darvin Ham after two seasons.

Embiid and Redick were teammates on the Sixers. 

“If I was him, I don’t know if that’s a perfect situation,” Embiid told David Marchese of the New York Times. “Maybe he thinks that’s a perfect situation. But if you’re coming in, especially with a job like the Lakers, it’s kind of a make-or-break situation, because if you succeed, great, you’re going to be coaching for years. But if you don’t succeed, those coaches are usually bound to be fired within a year or two. I love him, I’m happy for him, but that’s a tough job.”

The Lakers went 47-35 in 2023-24. They lost to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2024 playoffs in five games.

Denver also beat Los Angeles in the 2023 Western Conference Finals. 

One of the best shooters in NBA history, Redick has yet to coach above the youth level. He played 15 years in the NBA with the Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, Sixers, New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks.

According to NBA insiders Shams Charania, Jovan Buha and Sam Amick of The Athletic, Redick is focused on elevating Anthony Davis’ involvement and alleviating LeBron James‘ workload.

LeBron, 39, is the oldest player in the NBA. He turns 40 in December. 

“He explained his decision-making process when it comes to strategy, how the analysis and empirical evidence would always guide his choices rather than preconceived notions or outdated beliefs,” Charania, Buha and Amick wrote. “Redick described a system molded around this roster, focusing on elevating Davis’ involvement, particularly late in games, and alleviating the constant ballhandling duties on James by utilizing him more off the ball. Keeping James, who turns 40 in December, fresh down the stretch of the regular season and into the playoffs will be critical.”