Lakers Coach JJ Redick Uses AI For Job Advice

Let's start with a confession: I'm a JJ Redick fan. Even as someone who despises the Lakers, I thought his hiring was a smart move. Redick is a clear disciple of Joe Mazzulla, sharing his obsession with the game and his modern vision for how NBA basketball should be played. In fact, Redick almost joined Mazzulla's staff when he first got the job.

This puts me in a tough spot. I like the guy, but I hate the team he's leading to success. It's a genuine conflict.

The Unexpected Contract Extension

After just one season as head coach, the Los Angeles Lakers have already given Redick a contract extension. He originally signed a four-year, $32 million deal, so there was no urgent need for this. Some might question the move, especially after the team's first-round playoff exit last year. However, winning 50 games in the Western Conference is no small feat. If the front office believes they have their long-term leader, committing to him to build a stable culture makes sense.

Redick's Secret AI Assistant

What's less conventional is how Redick is approaching his job. He recently let it slip that he's a big ChatGPT user, admitting he asks it daily how he can be a good head coach for the Lakers. While he might have said it with a bit of humor, there's a strong feeling he was being truthful. For a fan of Redick, it's a bit of a tough look—unless, of course, the AI is actually giving him solid advice. After all, a 50-win season in year one suggests something is working.

So, I did what any curious, Lakers-hating blogger would do: I asked ChatGPT the same question myself.

Is the AI's Advice Any Good?

Honestly, the advice isn't bad. Let's break it down:

• Player Buy-In: This is crucial for any coach, especially a first-timer. Without it, you're toast. ChatGPT may have mistakenly mentioned a former player, but the core point is valid.
• Strong Staff: Also very important. A great head coach is supported by a strong team of assistants, like Sam Cassell.
• Translating Knowledge: This one feels a bit like generic filler. Star players like LeBron James and Luka Dončić already have a deep understanding of the game.
• Adapting to the Grind: The NBA season is a marathon. A new coach, even a former player like Redick, has to manage the grind from a different perspective, especially with an aging superstar.
• Handling the Media: This is one of the most entertaining parts of the Redick experience. He can be abrasive, but it's acceptable when you're winning. His willingness to call out media members for not watching games is respectable.
• Establishing an Identity: This is the most critical task. It requires player buy-in and a clear vision. Redick has already started to shift the Lakers' style of play, and now the challenge is to build a roster that fits this identity for both the present and the post-LeBron era.

An Unconventional Method

Overall, the AI's advice is solid, if not earth-shattering. Still, it's probably not something you want to admit to a live microphone, even as a joke. Now that this clip is out there, it's only a matter of time before it's brought up when the team hits a rough patch.

Then again, all NBA coaches have their quirks. Joe Mazzulla, a championship coach, watches The Town and The Dark Knight for inspiration. His methods, though strange, helped him become the youngest coach to win an NBA title. While that feels a bit different from being a "ChatGPT merchant," we'll have to wait and see if Redick's unconventional approach leads to similar success (though, hopefully not!).