TOUCHDOWN: Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach JJ Redick Has Officially Announced Dropping His Coaching Career Claiming it is Hindering Him From… 

Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach JJ Redick Has Officially Announced Dropping His Coaching Career Claiming it is Hindering Him From…

In a sudden and emotional announcement, JJ Redick, the newly appointed head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, revealed that he is stepping away from his coaching career, just months into his tenure. Redick, a former NBA sharpshooter and widely respected basketball analyst, said coaching was hindering him from fully being himself — both on and off the court.

> “Coaching the Lakers was an honor,” Redick said during a packed press conference at Crypto.com Arena. “But I’ve come to realize this role, at least at this stage in my life, is holding me back from being the man, the father, the creator — and honestly, the human being — I want to be.”

Redick’s announcement sent shockwaves through the NBA, especially after the fanfare surrounding his hire in June. The 41-year-old had been touted as a bold, fresh voice for the Lakers — a modern thinker with deep basketball IQ, media savvy, and a strong rapport with players. But now, just weeks into offseason planning, the team finds itself without a head coach once again.

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“This Role Demands All of You — And I Couldn’t Give That”

Redick, known for his articulate commentary on ESPN and his popular podcast “The Old Man & the Three,” had spent the past few years balancing media work, family life, and a growing passion for storytelling. He said the coaching role, while fulfilling in some ways, quickly revealed itself to be all-consuming.

> “It’s not about wins and losses,” he said. “It’s about the 18-hour days. The constant strategizing. The inability to shut your brain off. I wasn’t sleeping. I wasn’t present with my wife or kids. I felt like a shell of myself, chasing something that no longer fit who I am.”

Redick described the decision as “gut-wrenching,” especially given the Lakers’ historic stature and the opportunity to coach future Hall of Famers. But ultimately, he said, it came down to authenticity.

“I couldn’t keep pretending. Coaching felt like putting on a costume every day — one that no longer fit.”

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A Bold Hire, A Brief Tenure

Redick’s hiring was met with mixed reactions — some lauded the Lakers for breaking from tradition, others questioned his lack of coaching experience. He was brought in to energize a veteran-heavy roster and help build a system that blended old-school execution with new-school creativity.

While he brought a modern mindset and earned praise from LeBron James and other key players, insiders say Redick was privately struggling with the lifestyle change. Sources close to the team described him as “increasingly withdrawn” and “overwhelmed” in recent weeks, despite outward appearances of calm and control.

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The Lakers React

Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka responded to the news in a brief statement:

> “We respect JJ’s decision and support him fully. His leadership, though short-lived, was impactful. He showed great honesty in recognizing that this chapter wasn’t right for him or the organization.”

As for the team’s next steps, the Lakers are expected to restart their coaching search immediately. Assistant coach Phil Handy may take on interim duties during Summer League and training camp preparations.

Team sources say the front office was “caught off guard” by Redick’s decision but had sensed that he was wrestling with something deeper than Xs and Os.

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From NBA Player to Broadcaster to Coach — and Now, a New Chapter

Redick’s path has been anything but ordinary. After a 15-year NBA playing career with the Magic, Clippers, 76ers, and Pelicans, he transitioned smoothly into broadcasting, becoming a breakout media personality. His ability to break down complex basketball ideas with clarity and humor made him a fan favorite.

In many ways, coaching seemed like a natural next step. But Redick now says he was trying to fit into a mold that no longer matched who he was.

“I loved being in the gym. I loved the film room. But I didn’t love who I was becoming. Coaching, for me, left no space for creativity, reflection, or peace. That’s not a life I want to live.”

He hinted at returning to media, podcasting, or perhaps even directing basketball documentaries — projects that allow him to stay close to the game while protecting his mental well-being and time with family.

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A Cultural Shift in Coaching?

Redick’s departure comes on the heels of similar revelations by other young coaches and sports figures stepping away from high-pressure roles to prioritize mental health and personal alignment. It’s part of a broader movement in professional sports — one that questions the old model of sacrificing everything for success.

> “The grind is glorified,” Redick said. “But sometimes, stepping away is the braver move.”

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With JJ Redick stepping aside, the Lakers find themselves back at square one — but perhaps the league has gained something more valuable: a reminder that behind every playbook is a person, and even in the NBA, being true to yourself is the ultimate win.