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Lakers Fans React to JJ Redick, Knicks Coaching News originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The New York Knicks find themselves in a delicate position as they continue their search for a head coach following Tom Thibodeau’s firing after their run to the Eastern Conference Finals last month. As the only NBA team actively seeking a replacement, the Knicks front office appears to be approaching the process with caution, ensuring any candidate aligns with their strategic vision and organizational values.
In recent developments, the Knicks have encountered significant resistance in their recruitment efforts. Both the Houston Rockets and the Minnesota Timberwolves have denied permission for the Knicks to interview their head coaches, Ime Udoka and Chris Finch, respectively.
Reports also indicate that New York reached out to the Dallas Mavericks about Jason Kidd, Atlanta Hawks regarding Quin Snyder, and Chicago Bulls about Billy Donovan—but were rebuffed in each instance.
Amid these deliberations, a new report emerged about who the Knicks have not requested permission to interview. One of these coaches in Los Angeles Lakers’ JJ Redick, who was named by Sam Amick of The Athletic as one of a handful of names the Knicks are not pursuing.
Lakers fans have been reacting to this on X.
“They want Darvin Ham instead,” one joked.
“Jj being considered part of the ‘elite coaching crew’ already wow lol,” said one.
“what we not gone do is put elite coaching and jj redick in the same sentence,” a more critical fan stated.
“Doc Rivers mentioned alongside Redick, Lue, Kerr and Carlisle,” a Lakers fan commented with a reaction photo.
“JJ Redick in ‘elite coaches crew’ ??!” wrote another critical fan.
“Ok I love JJ but how is he considered an elite coach already lmao,” one added.
Redick, a former NBA player turned media member, signed a four‑year contract as the Lakers’ head coach—his first professional coaching role. Should the Knicks decide to pursue Redick, they will need to first obtain the Lakers’ consent, although chances are the Lakers will decline their request.
The Knicks face mounting pressure to expedite their decision-making process. Their next steps—whether prompting outreach, re-evaluating other candidates, or waiting for a clearer path—is set to usher in the next era of New York basketball.
Related: Andrew Wiggins to Lakers Trade Report Surfaces After Rui Hachimura News
Related: New Report on Celtics NBA Champion Potentially Joining Lakers
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
