Ex-NBA guard offers major theory about LeBron James, Lakers

Apr 4, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts to being called for a foul against the Utah Jazz in the last minute of the fourth quarter at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

One former NBA player thinks that he can see the bigger picture with LeBron James.

During an appearance this week on Gilbert Arenas’ podcast “Gil’s Arena,” retired ex-NBA guard Rashad McCants offered a big theory about James and the Los Angeles Lakers. McCants said that James, who recently launched a new podcast with JJ Redick, is angling for Redick to become the next head coach of the Lakers.

“JJ and LeBron start a podcast,” said McCants. “JJ says he wants to be a coach. LeBron knows that [current Lakers head coach] Darvin [Ham] is a–, and his days are numbered. JJ gets hired by the Lakers. LeBron is still a player. JJ coaches LeBron. He brings in Bronny, and the podcast thrives.”

You can watch the full clip of McCants’ comments below (but watch out for the foul language).

“[LeBron] is coaching JJ to be the coach!”

The Gil’s Arena crew discusses if JJ Redick should be the Lakers next head coach if Darvin Ham gets fired pic.twitter.com/0kloxaZnHw

— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) April 30, 2024

McCants, who was never teammates with either player, might just be spit-balling here. But he is contemporaries with both James and Redick — all three are 39 years old and entered the NBA around the same time from 2003-06. Thus, McCants may be far more plugged-in than the average person is.

James and Redick launched their podcast “Mind The Game” in March. Redick is also gaining serious steam as a legitimate NBA head coaching candidate and recently interviewed with an Eastern Conference team.

Of course, there is still a lot that is up in the air, especially since James hasn’t even committed to a return to the Lakers next season. But we do know that Ham is looking likely to be fired by the purple and gold, and McCants thinks he knows who James’ preference would be for Ham’s ultimate replacement.