For years, many fans have claimed that LeBron James surreptitiously manipulates situations for the teams he plays for. The four-time MVP is said to be in charge of trades, signings, and firings, earning him the nickname ‘LeGM.’

This was the situation again when the Los Angeles Lakers signed JJ Redick as their new head coach. While Redick was still a candidate, rumours circulated that he was recruited solely because he and LeBron host a podcast together.

However, during his debut press conference, Redick dismissed rumours that LeBron was involved in his hiring.

“LeBron and I did not talk about the Lakers job until Thursday afternoon, about 30 minutes after I was offered the job,” Redick told the newsroom. “That was pretty deliberate on both of our parts. I knew he didn’t want to be involved in this, and I didn’t want to get into hypotheticals with someone I consider a friend and someone I have a lot of respect for.”

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Fans are understandably speculating given how close JJ Redick and LeBron James have become and the fact that they co-host ‘Mind the Game’.

However, it is worth noting that Dan Hurley would have been the team’s head coach if he had not chosen to remain at UConn. This fact, combined with Redick’s words, should dispel the myth that LeBron was pushing for his podcast co-host to become the team’s new head coach.

Rob Pelinka confirms rumours concerning JJ Redick’s podcast partner LeBron James’ lack of engagement in the HC search.

During JJ Redick’s introduction news conference, Rob Pelinka had the opportunity to talk with and answer questions from the media. Pelinka discussed LeBron James’ degree of engagement while the front office searched for a new head coach to lead the club.

Pelinka, the Lakers’ general manager, made it plain that the four-time NBA champion supported the front office but was not involved.

Pelinka, on the other hand, stated that Anthony Davis was more active in the head coaching search and that the two of them spoke throughout the organization’s search for a new head coach.

Pelinka remarked that a strong head coach must be able to communicate properly with his players, citing this as one of JJ Redick’s talents.

LeBron James may choose to become a free agent this offseason because he has a player option on his contract. Only time will tell if the front office’s move to hire Redick is enough to persuade LeBron to return to the Lakers for the upcoming season.