For the 10th time in his illustrious 21-season NBA career, LeBron James is adjusting to a new head coach. The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly hired former NBA player JJ Redick on a four-year contract. Redick, stepping into his first head coaching role, inherits a team with championship aspirations that have remained unfulfilled since their 2020 title run.
LeBron James' presence on the team elevates expectations, and with those expectations come immense pressure and potential consequences if they are not met. This pressure has contributed to a frequent rotation of head coaches throughout James' career. Some of these coaches have thrived post-LeBron, while others have not secured another head coaching position. Here’s a look back at the 10 head coaches LeBron has worked with during his stints with the Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Miami Heat.
Paul Silas (2003-2005)
Previous Job: New Orleans Hornets Head Coach
How it Started: Silas became LeBron’s first NBA coach after being unexpectedly fired by the Hornets. Known for his old-school approach, Silas banned James' entourage from practices, helping LeBron secure the 2004 NBA Rookie of the Year Award.
Where it Went Wrong: The Cavaliers dismissed Silas after a post-All-Star break slump during LeBron’s second season, even though they held a playoff spot. Silas passed away in 2022.
Mike Brown (2005-2010)
Previous Job: Indiana Pacers Assistant Coach
How it Started: Brown was brought in to ensure LeBron’s playoff participation, which he successfully achieved, leading the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals in 2007 and winning 60-plus games in the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons.
Where it Went Wrong: Despite regular season success, postseason shortcomings and internal criticisms from James led to Brown’s firing, a decision the Cavaliers owner later regretted, rehiring and then firing Brown again.
Erik Spoelstra (2010-2014)
Previous Job: Miami Heat Assistant Coach
How it Started: Initially, LeBron was skeptical of Spoelstra, even asking team president Pat Riley to take over coaching duties. Riley refused, and Spoelstra went on to lead the Heat to four consecutive NBA Finals, winning two championships.
Where it Went Wrong: LeBron left Miami after the 2014 Finals loss to reunite with the Cavaliers, though he later praised Spoelstra, who remains with the Heat and recently signed a substantial contract extension.
David Blatt (2014-2016)
Previous Job: Maccabi Tel Aviv Head Coach
How it Started: The Cavaliers’ unconventional hire of Blatt coincided with LeBron’s return to Cleveland. Despite Blatt’s innovative strategies, his lack of NBA experience created friction.
Where it Went Wrong: Despite a 53-29 record and an NBA Finals appearance in his first season, Blatt was fired midway through his second season, replaced by assistant coach Tyronn Lue.
Tyronn Lue (2016-2018)
Previous Job: Cleveland Cavaliers Assistant Coach
How it Started: Lue’s promotion was well-received by LeBron, leading to the historic 2016 NBA Championship win and two more Finals appearances.
Where it Went Wrong: Post-2016, the Cavaliers declined, leading to Lue’s firing after an 0-6 start in the 2018-19 season. Lue later became the head coach of the Clippers.
Luke Walton (2018-2019)
Previous Job: Golden State Warriors Assistant Coach
How it Started: Walton’s tenure began with high hopes for developing the Lakers’ young core alongside LeBron.
Where it Went Wrong: Injuries and poor team fit led to a disappointing 37-45 season, prompting Walton’s departure and a major roster overhaul to acquire Anthony Davis.
Frank Vogel (2019-2022)
Previous Job: Orlando Magic Head Coach
How it Started: Vogel’s defensive strategies and LeBron’s playmaking led the Lakers to the 2020 NBA Championship.
Where it Went Wrong: The addition of Russell Westbrook disrupted team chemistry, resulting in Vogel’s firing after a disappointing 33-49 season.
Darvin Ham (2022-2024)
Previous Job: Milwaukee Bucks Assistant Coach
How it Started: Ham began his Lakers tenure by benching Westbrook and leading the team to the Western Conference Finals in his first season.
Where it Went Wrong: Despite minor improvements, the Lakers' stagnant performance and consecutive playoff losses to the Nuggets led to Ham’s dismissal.
J.J. Redick (2024-?)
Previous Job: Podcaster
How it Started: Redick’s hiring marks a new chapter, with the Lakers hoping that LeBron’s podcast co-host can translate his basketball knowledge into coaching success.
What’s Next: Only time will tell if this unconventional hire will help the Lakers reclaim their championship glory.