Podcast Booth to Coaching Box: Is Redick Really Becoming LeBron's Coach?

J.J. Redick has seamlessly transitioned from NBA sharpshooter to media darling. Having hung up his sneakers, he now thrives in the sports media world. He co-hosts the podcast "Old Man and the Three," analyzes games on ESPN, and even debates with Stephen A. Smith on First Take. Redick's influence on sports media is arguably surpassing his playing career.

This "basketball savant and entertainer" seamlessly blends technical breakdowns with engaging commentary, captivating audiences on both sides of the media spectrum. His "student of the game" approach attracts fellow NBA players to his podcast, offering a glimpse into their lives beyond the court. This, coupled with Redick's ability to dissect the sport, has hooked both die-hard fans and casual viewers.

One such fan? LeBron James. Although they never shared a locker room, LeBron and Redick have cultivated a "virtual bromance" through Redick's podcast commentary and Twitter banter. This camaraderie even led to their own podcast, "Mind The Game," where Redick skillfully guides the conversation, drawing insightful responses from LeBron (on his good days, at least).

Now for the plot twist that would have Skip Bayless choking on his morning latte: Redick is reportedly a candidate for the vacant Lakers head coach position. This throws a massive wrench into their established dynamic. The idea of LeBron potentially having to take coaching notes from his podcast partner – both on his individual shows and on "Mind The Game" – is almost laughable.

Imagine the awkwardness! Pre-season trash talk would be a thing of the past. Practices might involve LeBron launching threes from half court and yelling "Kobe!" while Redick barks out plays from the sideline with a clipboard. It would be utterly bizarre, like a role reversal straight out of a sitcom.

Here's the real kicker: The dynamic of their popular podcast, "Mind The Game," would be thrown into hilarious chaos. Could Redick effectively critique LeBron's on-court performance if LeBron's now his boss? Would pre-game interviews become a minefield of passive-aggressive jabs?

The financial implications add another layer of intrigue. Redick's media ventures, particularly "Mind The Game," rely heavily on access to LeBron. Would Redick feel pressured to favour LeBron on the court to maintain those lucrative podcast views and endorsements?

But here's the thing: If Redick lands the job, it would be history in the making. We could witness the birth of the first-ever coach-player podcast duo, and not just any player – LeBron James! This living legend boasts more championship rings than a jewelry store and enough clutch plays to make your jaw drop lower than his hairline (which, let's be honest, is slowly becoming a distant memory).

LeBron, like a fine wine (with a few more off nights than his best vintages), keeps evolving. Forget the highlight reel dunks of his youth, his court vision and passing are reaching legendary status, elevating his teammates to All-Star caliber on a nightly basis (as long as they're not taking contested threes).

This news would be a game-changer, not just for basketball fans but for all sports enthusiasts. It would shatter the traditional dynamic between coaches and players. The outcome could be a championship parade in LA or a hilarious disaster that would have Charles Barkley cackling for weeks. If this were happening with the Charlotte Hornets, it'd be a gamble they might be more comfortable with. But the Lakers, a franchise built on championship pedigree, might find this unorthodox approach a bit too… well, unorthodox.