In a recent interview, the newly appointed head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, JJ Redick, shared his enthusiasm for coaching shooting guard Austin Reaves in the upcoming season. Redick expressed his admiration for Reaves’ competitive spirit, mental toughness, and approach to the game.
When asked about his thoughts on Reaves, Redick couldn’t contain his excitement, saying, “Oh, he’s excellent, And I cannot wait to coach Austin. And one of the reasons I cannot wait to coach Austin is because of his competitive spirit. He has a real mental toughness and competitive approach every single night.”
Man groans in background while JJ Redick talks about LeBron James
The Lakers’ decision to hire Redick came after their playoff elimination in the 2023-24 season, leading to the dismissal of former head coach Darvin Ham. Redick emerged as a top candidate alongside Dan Hurley, but ultimately, Hurley chose to remain with his UConn contract. Following this, the Lakers officially announced Redick as their new head coach.
During a press conference after his appointment, Redick faced tough questions about the team’s future, including rumors about a potential trade involving Reaves and Dejounte Murray. However, NBA insiders have dispelled these rumors, stating that the Lakers have no intention of trading Reaves unless it is for an All-Star-level player.
Redick set sights on developing Reaves
Jovan Buha of The Athletic provided insight into the Lakers’ stance on Reaves, stating: “The Lakers, by all indications, are not trying to trade Austin Reaves unless it is for an All-Star-level player.” He also emphasized that the team is not interested in trading their young talent for Murray unless it’s for a legitimate All-Star.
Despite the trade rumors, Redick’s focus remains on coaching Reaves and harnessing his potential on the court. The new head coach’s enthusiasm for working with Reaves reflects the team’s commitment to nurturing young talent and building a competitive roster for the upcoming season.
As the Lakers prepare for the challenges ahead, Redick’s confidence in Reaves and his dedication to coaching him signals a promising start to their partnership. With Redick at the helm and Reaves showcasing his competitive edge, the Lakers are gearing up for an exciting journey in the upcoming season.
