LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers typically does not get involved in coaching decisions, as confirmed by ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst. This comes as the Lakers are considering hiring a new head coach to replace former coach Darvin Ham, who was recently fired.
"LeBron doesn't get involved in coaching hires. For years, for many, many coaches, he's always taken a distance."
– Brian Windhorst
(Via @dpshow ) pic.twitter.com/qjDJ1bXnzS
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 7, 2024
Windhorst indicated that LeBron generally stays out of the coaching hiring process and prefers to keep his distance. Although there are rumors about potential candidates for the head coaching position, it appears that LeBron will not have direct input in the decision.
The Lakers are reportedly considering hiring JJ Redick or Tyronn Lue, both of whom have ties to LeBron. However, it has been made clear that LeBron will not personally advocate for Redick or any other candidate. Ultimately, the Lakers will need to make a decision that puts the team in the best position for title contention, as they hope to encourage LeBron to remain in Los Angeles for another season.
Furthermore, it is not yet certain whether LeBron will continue to play for the Lakers. He currently has a player option for the 2024-25 season, and the team has reportedly expressed interest in offering him a three-year extension. The Lakers’ hiring decision will likely be influenced by their desire to retain LeBron and keep him satisfied.
Despite rumors linking LeBron to potential coaching hires, Windhorst emphasized that the Lakers lack appeal to top coaching candidates due to their financial constraints and the competitive nature of the Western Conference.
The uncertain future of the Lakers, as well as the organization’s lack of appeal to experienced coaches, may pose challenges in their search for a new head coach.
"LeBron's friendships in the NBA tend to fall out as quick as they start. There's a long line of former teammates that he was buddy buddy and when it's over they're gone."
–@WindhorstESPN on the possibility of JJ Redick becoming the #Lakers HC because of friendship w. LeBron pic.twitter.com/WhKsjJJ249
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) May 7, 2024
It appears that LeBron does not have as much influence on coaching decisions as previously thought. Additionally, the Lakers’ search for a new head coach is expected to be challenging, as they navigate the complexities of retaining LeBron and addressing the team’s needs for the upcoming season.
In the midst of the Lakers’ coaching search, it is clear that LeBron James is not directly involved in the decision-making process. Despite his reputation, it seems that he prefers to keep a distance when it comes to coaching hires.
The Lakers are actively seeking a new head coach, and it remains to be seen who will ultimately fill the role. Whether LeBron will continue to play for the Lakers is still uncertain, adding another layer of complexity to the team’s decision-making process.
Fans reacted as follows:
“I’ve never gotten involved with coaching hires..” pic.twitter.com/3Zy6J1W6Gx
— Snapback Sports (@snapback_sports) May 7, 2024
one of many lies on LeBron
“Gm” “Coaches fired” “Not the goat”
— † (@HoodiHachimura) May 7, 2024
Does anyone actually believe this?
— BullsKickAss (@Bullskickass) May 7, 2024
Imagine if he was gifted a hof coach like Phil Jackson or Steve Kerr
— Lucro 💫 (@lucrodontmiss) May 7, 2024
What's Windhorst going to do for a job once LeBron retires and he's off his payroll?
— NYKnicksPodcast (@NYKnicksPodcast) May 7, 2024
LeGM thinks we don’t know
— clips🛸 (@ClawWRLD) May 7, 2024
LeBron after transforming to LeLie for 157252 time pic.twitter.com/7Op93i90Wh
— myxe (@myxewtf) May 7, 2024
Right, just like Giannis didn’t have anything to do with Adrian Griffin getting fired 👍🏻 pic.twitter.com/Yk1N4rpEEP
— Cait 🦁☘️ (@_cait104) May 7, 2024
He should be the first player coach since bill russell
— Lucro 💫 (@lucrodontmiss) May 7, 2024
That’s a damn lie. He publicly wanted Erik Spolstra fired pic.twitter.com/0MrmNNoPtq
— E-Man (@WigginsWick22) May 7, 2024
Ya they’re called work friends we all have them and they disappear when the job ends
— Jason Corbett (@chirpfanaccount) May 7, 2024
I’ve never heard of Lebron getting involved in coaching hires,only one I think he ever referred was Ty Lue to the Lakers and the Lakers were to cheap to hire him and gave him a lowball offer
— TripTrip69 (@TriplettMv) May 7, 2024
Lmfao, of course he gets involved lmfao this guy holds lebrons everything
— ZJE214 (@zje214) May 7, 2024
How is JJ qualified? He hasn’t coached at any level. Ridiculous.
— sportsfan_fl (@sportsfan_fl) May 7, 2024
Stop lying bro @WindhorstESPN
— Gabriel Salazar (@Gabriel68494399) May 7, 2024
