Austin Reaves must have really enjoyed JJ Redick’s TV and podcast work, offering a highly complimentary endorsement to his new head coach with the Lakers.
“I’ve gotten to know JJ a little bit, going on his podcast during the middle of the year. He’s a basketball genius, I think, as everybody knows,” Reaves told CBS affiliate THV11 on Saturday in his home state of Arkansas. “I think he’s gonna make a good coach, and I can’t wait to get to work with him.
“He actually texted me [Friday] and wanted to get on a call. So I just can’t wait to put our brains together, and go have a good year.”
Reaves was a guest on Redick’s “Old Man and the Three” show in December.
The 39-year-old Redick agreed Thursday to a four-year contract to replace Darvin Ham as the Lakers’ coach.
The Lakers went 47-35 and lost to the Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs after advancing out of the play-in tournament.
Redick, who had been serving as an ESPN/ABC analyst, was hired after UConn coach Dan Hurley turned down a reported six-year deal worth $70 million from the Lakers to jump to the NBA.
Reaves appeared in all 82 games (57 starts) for the Lakers last season, averaging 15.9 points and 5.5 assists per game.