The Los Angeles Lakers. A franchise like no other. Not everyone gets to wear the Purple and Gold. But those who do? They become legends—Magic, Kobe, Shaq, LeBron. And now, a new name is making waves, not as a player, but as a coach. JJ Redick. From hooper to analyst to head coach, his journey is one for the books. Passion fuels him. Wins follow. And his impact? It’s inspiring young guns like Hercy Miller, who’s grinding hard, hoping to earn his shot with the Lakers.
In the latest conversation with EssentiallySports, the South Utah Thunderbirds guard couldn’t resist but express his admiration for the 40-year-old Lakers HC. Moreover, Miller grew up watching Redick play for the Clippers, and that memory has stuck with him for years. Thus, he expressed a small (read: grand) desire, and that is to get a chance to play under JJ Redick’s supervision.
When asked about Redick’s coaching, Master P’s son replied: “Like, I love—just being a Laker would be crazy. But also, being coached by JJ Redick? Like, when I grew up, the Clippers were my team back when it was Lob City, and he was a part of it. So it’s like, just playing for someone who I watched, knowing what they can do, would be great. And even just like—I mean, obviously, it doesn’t matter what team I get drafted to or what team I go to. Whoever wants a dawg, that’s who I’m trying to be with, you know?”
Miller can’t hide his excitement. Playing for the Lakers? A dream. And JJ Redick coaching him? Even better. As a kid, he watched Redick light it up for the Clippers during the Lob City era. That memory stuck. Now, the idea of learning from him is surreal. But at the end of the day, Miller just wants to hoop. Any team that values his fire and fight—that’s where he wants to be.
Besides, he has the March Madness breathing down on his shoulder. If there’s anything as elite as being a Laker, then it would be to become the superhero in the NCAA Division I tournament. Now, coming back to JJ Redick, he’s been a strategic wunderkind, especially defensively. His smart use of Austin Reaves has presented the desired results. And now, with Luka Doncic on the team, Redick is aiming for the stars.
Remember that one clip where the rookie head coach marked June 5, 2025 (2025 NBA Finals)? Yes, that’s the spirit JJ Redick has brought back to the LA Lakers. Sure, there are stumbles—many of them. But one thing has dazzled everyone—his relentless hunger to win. All these factors and the Lakers’ history are kindling a dream in the eyes of Hercy Miller. And if you’ve guessed it as his desire to play for the franchise, please pat yourselves.
JJ Redick fanboy Hercy Miller dreams big with Lakers’ ambition
Now, who doesn’t want to play for the LA Lakers? When kids dream of flying to the moon, some, like Hercy Miller, dream of wearing the iconic yellow and purple jersey. History and legacy join hands to make the franchise one of the most, if not the most revered teams of the NBA. Thus, when Miller expressed his desire to play for JJ Redick’s Lakers, it wasn’t particularly surprising. However, being born in Houston, shouldn’t the Rockets be the 22-year-old Thunderbirds guard’s first choice?
Miller confessed: “Yes, I grew up being born in Houston. Houston’s always been, my team. But, you know, I’m always a yellow-and-purple type of guy. So the goal is the Lakers. If I can come back home to LA, that would be great.”
Image Source: Imago
Well, if players truly began playing for their home teams, then even Stephen Curry would be a Charlotte Hornets legend and not a Warriors legend. So, your hometown and team always don’t matter when your fate and heart lie elsewhere. Moreover, with the 2025 NBA Draft around the corner, Hercy Miller’s impact in the March Madness will play a role and determine if he’s destined for the Lakers or not.
So, Hercy Miller dreams big. The Lakers call to him, and JJ Redick’s fire only fuels that dream. Houston may be home, but LA feels like destiny. Yet, dreams alone don’t cut it. March Madness is his proving ground. The 2025 NBA Draft looms, and his performance will decide his fate. Will the Purple and Gold come calling? Only time will tell.
The post Exclusive: JJ Redick Has a New Recruit as Hercy Miller Makes Heartfelt Appeal for Lakers Future Amid March Madness appeared first on EssentiallySports.