Could JJ Redick become next Pat Riley for Lakers?

As JJ Redick prepared to coach the Lakers against the Celtics on Sunday, Pat Riley was being honored outside of Crypto.com Arena with the team’s first statue of a coach. The franchise’s past and present had collided, with the 41-year-old hot shot hoping to one day mirror the accomplishments of the 80-year-old legend. Ever since Redick was hired to take over the Lakers’ helm in June 2024, he has drawn comparisons to Riley. They’re both former players.After they retired, they both became broadcasters.

Riley hardly had any coaching experience (two years as a Lakers assistant from 1979-81) before being handed one of the most prestigious jobs in the league in 1981.Redick had no coaching experience.

They both have strikingly slick personas. And they both were tasked with leading the team through major transitions.Riley helped the Lakers pass the baton from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Magic Johnson, while Redick is overseeing the Lakers’ passing of the guard from LeBron James to Luka Doncic. When Redick was hired, he knew the franchise was hoping he’d fill the Armani shoes of the legendary coach.

The question on everyone’s mind was obvious: Could he be the next Pat Riley? “Pat, to me, sort of set the standard for modern NBA coaches,” Redick said.For Riley, the respect is reciprocated.“He’s a fiery guy,” Riley said of Redick.“He could shoot the hell out of the ball.

He was tough as nails, you know.I don’t know.

Sometimes I look back and I remember myself at that time and I looked at JJ and I think they picked the right person.There’s just a quality about him I think that goes above and beyond.”Redick is still evolving into who he is as a coach.

He’s still finding his style.His voice.

But this much is for sure: He’s an incredibly hard worker.His basketball IQ is respected by everyone in the locker room. After games, Redick locks himself in a dark basement and pores over film.

He’s a basketball sicko.He undoubtedly can...