“All of Us Want You to Succeed”- Stephen A. Smith Extended His Support for JJ Redick on the Lakers

June 25, 2024, 4:10pm ESTBy Afshan khan

JJ Redick, Los Angeles Lakers, Stephen A. Smith — Stephen A. Smith, JJ Redick (Image Credits: Getty Images)

In a recent episode of the show “First Take” on ESPN, host Stephen A. Smith shared his opinion about the Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to hire former NBA player JJ Redick as their new head coach. Smith expressed his support for Redick, stating that he wants him to succeed. He also congratulated the 40-year-old new Lakers coach and wished him well for the upcoming journey with the team.

Stephen A. Smith on JJ Redick: "I don't know how it works at other networks, but we root for our teammates here. So make no mistake about it, all of us are rooting for you. All of us want you to succeed, JJ, congratulations. And we hope that you make the Lakers a raving success… pic.twitter.com/BXKbcBapPa
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 25, 2024

“Before I get into the basketball portion of this conversation, I don’t think I’m out of pocket by speaking on behalf of this entire show. To JJ Redick, No. 1, congratulations. And No. 2, I don’t know how it works at other networks, but we root for our teammates here. So, make no mistake about it: all of us are rooting for you. All of us want you to succeed, JJ, congratulations. And we hope that you make the Lakers a raving success and you have a very prosperous coaching career. That’s what we do here.” Smith said.

Also Read: NBA Insider Reveals JJ Redick’s Expected Announcement as Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach

Redick Grilled in Press Conference After Major Announcement

After being eliminated in the first-round series against the Denver Nuggets, the Lakers made the tough decision to fire head coach Darvin Ham. Following this, the team began the search for a potential candidate to fill the coaching position. After a lengthy search and amid rumors of multiple candidates, including Dan Hurley and Redick, the Lakers finally announced on Monday that Redick would be the next head coach for the team. Following the announcement, Redick was interviewed in a press conference where he faced several essential questions.

During the conference, Redick was asked about his future strategy for the Lakers. However, the 40-year-old former NBA player responded with a joke, saying, “I have never coached in the NBA before. I don’t know if you guys have heard that.”