Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves. Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Lakers' Austin Reaves raves about team's JJ Redick hire

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Jun 22, 2024 6:27 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers’ hire of JJ Redick as head coach clearly has the approval of one member of the team.

Guard Austin Reaves spoke about the Redick hire at one of his basketball camps in Arkansas and had nothing but positive things to say. Reaves even dubbed Redick a “basketball genius” and said that he is looking forward to working with the new coach.

I asked Lakers star and Arkansas native Austin Reaves about the hiring of new Lakers coach JJ Reddick. Reaves says Reddick is a basketball genius and he can't wait to work with him. #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/NP60LHPkeQ

— Cierra Clark (@CierraClarkTV) June 22, 2024

“I’ve gotten to know JJ a little bit, going on his podcast during the middle of the year,” Reaves said. “He’s a basketball genius, I think, as everybody knows. I think he’s going to make a good coach and I can’t wait to get to work with him.”

Reaves added Redick has already reached out to him since landing the job as well.

Clearly, Reaves has a ton of respect for Redick’s basketball knowledge. It’s safe to infer that LeBron James is a fan as well, so it seems like a good bet that the players will generally be pleased with the move.

Plenty of people have questions about Redick’s lack of coaching experience. Clearly, however, there is no doubt about his knowledge.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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