What Happened to Jonathan Clay "JJ" Redick?
JJ Redick is an American professional basketball coach and former player. After a distinguished 15-season NBA career known for his elite three-point shooting, Redick transitioned into a successful media career as a podcast host and ESPN analyst. As of June 2024, he became the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, a role he continues to hold in March 2026.
Quick Answer
JJ Redick is currently the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, a position he was appointed to in June 2024. Prior to coaching, he had a successful 15-year NBA playing career, retiring in 2021, and then became a prominent basketball analyst for ESPN and a popular podcast host. As of March 2026, he is actively leading the Lakers, making strategic comments on player performance and team dynamics.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Born in Cookeville, Tennessee
Jonathan Clay Redick was born in Cookeville, Tennessee.
Begins Collegiate Career at Duke
Redick enrolls at Duke University, beginning a storied four-year college basketball career.
Named National College Player of the Year
Redick earns numerous individual awards, including the Naismith College Player of the Year, and becomes Duke's all-time leading scorer.
Drafted by Orlando Magic
Selected 11th overall in the NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, beginning his professional playing career.
Launches First Podcast
Redick becomes one of the first active NBA players to launch a weekly podcast, venturing into sports media.
Co-founds ThreeFourTwo Productions and "The Old Man and the Three" podcast
After 100 episodes of his initial podcast, Redick and co-host Tommy Alter launch their production company and the highly successful podcast, "The Old Man and the Three."
Announces NBA Retirement
After 15 seasons playing for six different teams, Redick officially announces his retirement from the NBA.
Joins ESPN as NBA Analyst
ESPN announces that Redick has signed on as an NBA analyst, beginning his full-time broadcasting career.
Promoted to ESPN's Lead NBA Broadcast Team
Redick joins Mike Breen, Doris Burke, and Lisa Salters on ESPN and ABC's top NBA broadcast team, calling marquee games and the NBA Finals.
Appointed Head Coach of the Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers agree to hire Redick as their next head coach on a four-year deal, marking his first NBA coaching role.
Announces Reduced Involvement in Podcast
Redick confirms he will no longer be directly involved with "The Old Man and the Three" podcast to focus entirely on his Lakers coaching duties.
Coaching Debut with Lakers
Redick makes his coaching debut with the Lakers, securing a season-opening win against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Coaches Lakers to 7-2 Start
Redick's Lakers achieve a 7-2 record early in the 2025-26 season, despite LeBron James's absence due to injury.
Comments on Luka Doncic's Defense
As Lakers head coach, Redick praises Luka Doncic's improved defense, calling him a 'defensive savant' ahead of a game against the Rockets.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Jonathan Clay "JJ" Redick first rose to prominence as a collegiate basketball star at Duke University from 2002 to 2006. During his time with the Blue Devils, he became one of the most prolific scorers in NCAA history, setting the ACC career record for most points and becoming Duke's all-time leading scorer. He was a two-time National Player of the Year in 2005 and 2006 and had his jersey retired by Duke in 2007.
Redick was selected 11th overall in the 2006 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, embarking on a 15-season professional career. Known for his exceptional three-point and free-throw shooting, he played for six different NBA teams, including the Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Dallas Mavericks. He retired from playing basketball on September 21, 2021, concluding a career where he ranked 15th in NBA history for career three-pointers made.
Following his retirement, Redick quickly transitioned into a successful media career. He was a pioneer in athlete podcasting, launching his first weekly podcast as an active player in 2016. His podcast, "The Old Man and the Three," co-hosted with Tommy Alter, gained significant popularity, leading him to co-found the media company ThreeFourTwo Productions in 2020. In October 2021, he joined ESPN as an NBA analyst, rapidly expanding his role to become a prominent voice on various studio shows and game broadcasts. By February 2024, Redick was elevated to ESPN's lead NBA broadcast team alongside Mike Breen and Doris Burke.
A significant turning point in Redick's career came in June 2024 when he was appointed the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. This move marked his first formal coaching role at any level, though he had previously volunteered with his son's youth teams. His analytical mind, deep basketball knowledge, and strong relationships forged through his media work, including a podcast "Mind the Game" with LeBron James, were cited as factors in his hiring. Upon taking the Lakers job, Redick announced he would no longer be directly involved with "The Old Man and the Three" podcast to focus entirely on his coaching duties.
As of March 2026, Redick is actively coaching the Los Angeles Lakers. He has been observed leading the team through the 2025-2026 NBA season, making strategic comments on player performance and team play. For instance, in March 2026, he praised Luka Doncic's improved three-point shooting and defensive efforts, calling him a "basketball savant" on both ends of the court. He also lauded LeBron James's commitment and on-court actions, even crediting James's hustle play over a game-winning shot by Doncic in a March 2026 game. The Lakers, under Redick, achieved a 50-32 record in his first season, finishing third in the Western Conference. His coaching tenure has involved managing key players like LeBron James and Deandre Ayton, emphasizing role acceptance and defensive physicality.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Jonathan Clay "JJ" Redick made different choices?