“JJ Redick’s Rookie Success: Can He Redefine NBA Coaching Norms?”

**Can Lakers’ ‘Sicko’ JJ NBA ?** Thirteen games into the Los Angeles Lakers’ season, rookie head coach JJ Redick is surprisingly not the main focus of attention—and that in itself is noteworthy. The Lakers have plenty of other narratives unfolding this year, including concerns about their ability to build a competent supporting cast around superstars Anthony Davis and LeBron James. Davis, in particular, is enjoying an MVP-caliber start to the season. Additionally, there are ongoing discussions about the potential nepotism involved in signing LeBron’s son, Bronny. While the Lakers may not be viewed as true championship contenders, their 9-4 record suggests they are at least a solidly good NBA team. It’s remarkable that their coach has only a few weeks of experience under his belt. Redick, a former sharpshooter turned podcaster and broadcaster, faced significant scrutiny when he was appointed head coach this summer. Critics accused him of “skipping the line” and suggested that his hiring was merely a move to placate LeBron, who was his podcast co-host until recently. Reports have highlighted that Redick’s only prior coaching experience was with his son’s youth team. When I asked him during his introductory press conference what he was most eager to prove to his detractors, he famously responded that he didn’t “give a fuck.” This bold statement may have been as much about convincing himself as it was about addressing the skepticism of others. Nevertheless, it’s evident that the once-chronically online Redick has managed to tune out the noise and concentrate on the task at hand. As the season progresses, Redick’s early success could prompt rival teams to reconsider their approach to coaching recruitment, potentially opening the door for unconventional candidates in the future.