Coach to Assist JJ Redick With Former Warrior Likely to Follow Suit

It's been several days since free agency began. However, the Lakers have made no significant moves to improve their roster. What's even more concerning is that they don't even have their coaching staff finalized to help JJ Redick in his debut season. And for the most part, the Lakers have been struck out by the coaches they have pursued, even leading to Jeanie Buss getting accused of being 'cheap'. Amid the allegations, Pelinka might've just salvaged Buss' reputation by re-approaching a former coach, who is likely to join soon.

As per reports via Michael Scotto, the Lakers will be hiring Greg St. Jean as an assistant coach for Redick. Surprisingly, this will not be Greg's first run with the storied franchise. Working as an assistant and a player development coach from 2019 to 21, mainly alongside Frank Vogel, he is well versed in the Lakers' ways and even helped them win a Championship in the bubble.

Apart from that, he has also previously worked with the Mavs and the Kings. But he continued to stay faithful to Vogel as he joined his coaching staff once again this season and worked as an assistant for the Suns. With so much experience under his belt, Greg seems to be a great addition to Redick's coaching staff. And now that one spot has been filled, Pelinka is also pursuing former GSW assistant coach Bob Beyer, as per reports by Anthony F. Irwin.

Working as an assistant coach in the NBA for over two decades, Beyer has deep ties with Redick. That's because he was a coach when JJ played in Orlando and New Orleans during different stages of his career. That explains why he would want Beyer to assist him in LA.

Are the brutal allegations against Jeanie Buss justified? In the past few days, the Lakers have faced a ton of failure in their pursuit of assembling a decent coaching staff. Missing out on veteran coaches like Dwane Casey and Terry Stotts, it is reportedly widely believed that Jeanie Buss is not willing to pay the new staff enough money. That straightaway rules out a major incentive in their attempt to lure experienced coaches to join her franchise.

Moreover, this seems to have been a trend for a long time, as even in the past, the Lakers were unable to hire coaches like Ty Lue and most recently, Dan Hurley. Even Terry Stotts, who recently joined the Warriors' coaching staff, has rejected the Lakers' offer on three separate occasions. But that doesn't necessarily mean that all of this is because of Jeanie Buss being 'cheap'.

In fact, the Lakers offered Dan Hurley, someone who has never coached at the pro level, a massive $70 million contract. But there were many reasons why he denied taking that paycheck. And although all these rejections, the Lakers are slowly starting to set up a great staff roster around Redick.

Just a few days ago, the Lakers added Scott Brooks and Nate McMillan to the coaching team. And that is exactly what JJ wanted, experienced brains to assist him. So, despite the allegations, Jeanie Buss and Co. seem to be on the right track after adding Brooks, McMillan, and now St. Jean to their staff.

Do you agree?

Before you go, do not forget to check out Shaquille O'Neal's ex-agent, Leonard Armato, to open up about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud. Keep checking this space for more such updates.