Now, they don’t have that many bonafide and proven options to be LeBron James’ next coach. That’s why they might have to pivot and give a rookie coach a chance.

With that in mind, Shams Charania of The Athletic recently reported the league’s worst-kept secret, which is that former NBA player JJ Redick is the leading candidate to get the nod.

The Lakers Are Zeroing In On JJ Redick As Their New Coach

“The Los Angeles Lakers are zeroing in on JJ Redick as the front-runner to be the franchise’s next head coach, league and media industry sources told The Athletic,” wrote Charania. “No final decision has been made yet, and the Lakers still have steps remaining in their head-coaching search process, league sources said. But the indications are strong that Redick is their leading choice at this stage.”

Redick, who has several podcasts — including one with LeBron James — is currently working as a color commentator for the NBA Finals, so an annoucement would most likely take place after that:

“Redick, a media analyst, is serving as a color commentator for the NBA Finals, which start Thursday night in Boston, fueling belief around the NBA that a potential hiring would officially take place and be announced after the series,” added Charania.

JJ Redick May Have Beef With Shams Charania

Even so, it seems like Redick didn’t actually care for these reports. He didn’t deny or confirm his talks with the Lakers, but claimed that he would deal with Shams after the NBA Finals:

“My focus is on the NBA Finals,” the former sharpshooter said in an appearance on GoJo and Golic. “In terms of Shams, that will be addressed once the season is over. I’ll just say that.”

Redick didn’t want to elaborate but looked clearly disgruntled, adding that he’s only focused on his business obligations at the time. Notably, he wouldn’t be the first to call out the renowned insider.

Clearly, one of Charania’s reports rubbed Redick the wrong way, and that could lead to an interesting dynamic if he, indeed, ends up becoming the Lakers’ next coach.

Brooks became the laughing stock around the league for his comments on LeBron James and then failing to even talk to the media after losses. Also, he had turned down a contract extension earlier in the season.

However, as much sense as it meant for both parties to move on, former NBA player JJ Redick feels like he’s being their scapegoat. That’s why he called out Shams Charania for reporting that the Grizzlies wouldn’t keep him ‘under any circumstances.’

JJ Redick Puts Shams Charania On Blast Over Report On Dillon Brooks

“I’d be willing to bet that that language didn’t come from the Grizzlies,” Redick said on ESPN’s First Take. “This is the problem, all right? It’s an agenda-driven media. I have a problem with it.”

“The reality is that Dillon Brooks hurts them offensively,” Redick continued.”If you want to go in a different direction, that’s fine! That is fine. Do the antics; did that hurt them? I don’t know. I don’t know if that hurt them. There are other problems in roster construction, guys being out; there are other issues besides Dillon Brooks and him poking a bear. (…) It’s ok to go in a different direction; I don’t understand why you have to kick a guy when he’s down. For engagement, really?”

Brooks’ Agent Says Charania Spreads False News

Brooks’ agent, Mike George, also had plenty to say about this report. He took to Twitter to reactto Redick’s video, adding that Charania actually reported false news, as the Grizzlies never used those words:

“The leader of spreading false news and attacking players. Why any player in the league talks to this guy blows my mind. #weirdo,” George tweeted.

Charania has earned a fine reputation as one of the most connected and accurate insiders around the league. Then again, there was no need to add to the report, and it feels like Brooks is justthe fall guy for a team that talked a lot and couldn’t back it up.