IT IS OVER: Log Angeles Lakers Basketball Current Head Coach JJ Redick had Submitted Resignation letter, Mark Walter promoting Small Forward Dalton Knecht As a new….see more

In a shocking turn of events that has left fans stunned across the NBA, Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick has officially stepped down from his role, submitting his resignation to team owner Mark Walter earlier this morning. Redick, who was appointed just last season, is leaving the position amid what insiders describe as “internal disagreements over team direction and development priorities.”

A Brief and Tumultuous Tenure

JJ Redick, the former NBA sharpshooter and ESPN analyst, was brought in to bring fresh energy and modern basketball insights to a franchise desperate for a turnaround. Despite initial optimism and the development of young talent, the Lakers fell short of expectations in the 2024–25 season, missing the playoffs for a second consecutive year.

Sources close to the organization cite a breakdown in communication between Redick and front office leadership, particularly around player rotations and long-term roster planning. While no official reason has been given by Redick himself, an official statement is expected later this week.

A Bold and Unconventional Move: Dalton Knecht Steps Up

In an even more unexpected twist, Lakers majority owner Mark Walter has named Dalton Knecht, the team’s 2024 first-round draft pick and current small forward, as an interim “player-leader” and organizational figurehead — an experimental dual-role not seen in modern NBA history.

Knecht, 24, has shown flashes of brilliance in his rookie season, averaging 14.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, and has become a fan favorite for his hustle, work ethic, and clutch scoring. While he won’t be coaching in the traditional sense, Knecht is expected to take on expanded leadership responsibilities both on and off the court as the Lakers recalibrate their management structure.

What’s Next for the Lakers?

The move signals a possible transitional period for the storied franchise. Rumors are swirling about potential front office changes and trade moves as the Lakers attempt to rebuild around a younger core, with Knecht now at the center of it. Assistant coach Phil Handy is expected to oversee day-to-day coaching duties until a permanent replacement for Redick is announced.

As for JJ Redick, his future remains uncertain. Some speculate a return to broadcasting or a front-office advisory role in the NBA, while others believe he may take time away from the sport entirely.

The Lakers, meanwhile, are once again at a crossroads — navigating both the end of a coaching chapter and the dawn of a bold new experiment in leadership, with Dalton Knecht now unexpectedly in the spotlight.