After firing head coach JJ Redick, the Los Angeles Lakers are now considering former Denver Nuggets coach Mike Malone!

In a stunning turn of events, the Los Angeles Lakers have officially fired head coach JJ Redick after just one season, marking yet another dramatic chapter in the franchise’s tumultuous coaching history. Amid the fallout, one name has already surged to the top of the Lakers’ coaching wish list: former Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone.

For a franchise that thrives on star power and historic pedigree, this latest shake-up is more than just a response to a disappointing season—it’s a direct signal from Lakers management that patience is no longer an option. Redick, a first-time head coach with a cerebral approach to the game and strong media presence, was never a conventional choice for a team led by aging superstar LeBron James. The experiment has come to an abrupt end, and now the Lakers are eyeing a battle-tested leader with championship credentials.

Mike Malone fits that bill perfectly.

When the Lakers hired JJ Redick in 2024, it was seen by many as a bold gamble. Redick brought with him no prior coaching experience, but a sharp basketball IQ, polished communication skills honed from his time as an ESPN analyst, and close relationships with several key players, including LeBron James himself. The pairing looked innovative on paper: a fresh voice with the charisma to manage egos and the tactical knowledge to adapt to the ever-changing NBA landscape.

However, the season quickly unraveled.

The Lakers finished a disappointing 42-40, barely clinching the final play-in spot. Injuries to Anthony Davis and inconsistencies from key role players certainly played a part, but Redick’s struggles with rotations, late-game management, and defensive scheming became glaring issues as the season wore on. Perhaps most notably, there were persistent reports of tension in the locker room. Several veteran players allegedly questioned Redick’s lack of experience, and sources close to the organization claimed that some assistant coaches were forced to take on heavier strategic duties behind the scenes.

Ultimately, the front office—led by GM Rob Pelinka—decided it couldn’t afford to waste another season of LeBron James’ twilight years. Just days after the Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, Redick was dismissed.

Mike Malone’s availability is a product of its own drama. After leading the Denver Nuggets to their first NBA title in franchise history in 2023, Malone oversaw another strong campaign in 2023–24. But internal friction with management, coupled with back-to-back playoff exits, reportedly soured the relationship. Despite a strong bond with superstar Nikola Jokić, Malone and the Nuggets parted ways at the end of the 2024–25 season.

Now, he’s become one of the most sought-after free agents in the coaching carousel.

For the Lakers, Malone offers the kind of stability and defensive focus the franchise desperately needs. Known for his structured game plans, no-nonsense demeanor, and ability to hold stars accountable, Malone could bring order to a team that often played like a collection of individual talents rather than a cohesive unit under Redick.

Malone’s track record with the Nuggets speaks volumes. During his nine-year tenure in Denver, he developed Jokić into a two-time MVP, fostered the growth of Jamal Murray, and turned a once-middling team into a perennial contender. His commitment to defensive fundamentals and emphasis on ball movement could be exactly what the Lakers need to maximize both LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the short term while setting a foundation for the post-LeBron era.

The Lakers have never been just another NBA franchise. They are a brand, a legacy, and a spotlight magnifier. Any coach who takes the helm must navigate the pressures of Hollywood, celebrity-driven narratives, and the weight of 17 banners hanging from the rafters at Crypto.com Arena.

Mike Malone’s tenure in Denver showed he could thrive in high-pressure environments. He managed expectations during deep playoff runs and was never afraid to challenge his players publicly—traits that might be necessary in a Lakers locker room that, at times, lacks accountability.

But there’s also a risk. Malone has never coached a team with the same glitz and external expectations as the Lakers. Denver, while increasingly competitive, allowed him to operate under the radar for many years. Los Angeles will be a different beast.

Still, league insiders believe that Malone would command immediate respect from both players and executives. “He knows how to win. He knows how to build a culture,” said one unnamed Western Conference executive. “That’s exactly what the Lakers need after the Redick experiment.”

If Mike Malone does indeed take over in Los Angeles, fans can expect several immediate shifts:

Under Redick, the Lakers ranked 22nd in defensive rating. Under Malone, Denver consistently ranked in the top 10. Expect a renewed focus on transition defense, rebounding, and communication on switches.

One of the biggest criticisms during the Redick era was the lack of role clarity. Bench players were often shuffled in and out of the lineup with little consistency. Malone, known for his structured rotations, would likely bring more stability to the second unit.

Malone has never shied away from confronting star players or calling out poor performances. This could either revitalize a veteran Lakers roster or create conflict if players resist being challenged. Either way, a culture of accountability would be a welcome change for many fans.

The Lakers have invested in several young pieces—Jalen Hood-Schifino, Max Christie, and possibly Bronny James. Malone has experience balancing star-driven rosters while still nurturing young talent, something he accomplished successfully in Denver.

One of the more fascinating subplots in this unfolding drama is the role LeBron James will play in selecting the next coach. While Redick’s hiring was reportedly influenced by LeBron’s admiration for his basketball mind, the firing was seen by some as a signal that the front office is ready to reclaim control over decision-making.

Still, it’s unlikely that Pelinka and owner Jeanie Buss will make a final decision without at least consulting James, especially as he holds a player option for the 2025–26 season. The prospect of bringing in a seasoned coach like Malone could help convince LeBron to remain with the team for at least one more title push.

On the flip side, if LeBron prefers a younger, more pliable coach, that could complicate negotiations with Malone, who is known for his principled and assertive style.

While Mike Malone is the frontrunner, the Lakers are expected to cast a wide net. Names such as Kenny Atkinson, Sam Cassell, and even a potential reunion with Frank Vogel have surfaced in speculative discussions.

However, none of those names carry the same mix of recent championship success and no-nonsense leadership as Malone.

“We’re looking for someone who can elevate this team immediately but also help us transition into the next era of Lakers basketball,” said a source close to the organization. “That’s a difficult balance to strike. Malone checks a lot of those boxes.”

With the NBA Draft and free agency rapidly approaching, the Lakers can’t afford to let their coaching search linger. Prospective free agents will want clarity about the team’s direction, and internal decisions about roster construction hinge on the new coach’s preferences.

If Mike Malone is indeed their top choice, the Lakers may need to act fast. Other teams—such as the Phoenix Suns or Brooklyn Nets—could enter the mix, making the competition for Malone’s services fierce.

The firing of JJ Redick may go down as a cautionary tale about hiring based on media buzz rather than proven coaching acumen. But the Lakers now have an opportunity to correct course with the hiring of Mike Malone—a coach who has shown he can win, build culture, and manage elite talent.

Malone isn’t flashy. He’s not going to dazzle in press conferences or pander to the Hollywood lifestyle. But he brings what the Lakers need most: structure, toughness, and a proven ability to lead deep playoff runs.

For a franchise that has too often chased short-term glamour over long-term identity, Mike Malone might finally be the answer they’ve been searching for.