Brian Windhorst of ESPN mentioned on Tuesday’s episode of ESPN’s Dan Patrick Show that LeBron James, the star player of the Los Angeles Lakers, typically does not participate in the team’s hiring decisions.

Windhorst’s statement comes amidst speculation that the Lakers are contemplating hiring JJ Redick, who co-hosts a podcast with James, as their next head coach.

“LeBron generally does not involve himself in the process of selecting coaches,” Windhorst explained. “Throughout the years, across numerous coaching changes, he has consistently maintained a distance. In fact, although I can’t speak for every potential candidate, he usually has a rule not to engage with them directly.

“After a coach has been appointed, he may have discussions with them. However, as a rule, he prefers to keep his distance and not play a role in the decision-making process. He prefers to avoid any potential responsibility for the outcome.”

The Lakers are in search of a replacement for former head coach Darvin Ham, who was dismissed last week after a two-season tenure with the team.

“There’s this perception that LeBron is the one hiring and firing coaches, and maybe indirectly he does have an effect on coaches’ tenures, but LeBron is actually very mindful of that, and he prefers to stay out of it,” Windhorst explained.

“He’s not going to walk into Rob Pelinka’s office and say, ‘Hey, I’m getting along great with JJ, you should hire him.’ That’s not how it works.”

Even though James may not directly influence the Lakers’ decision on Ham’s successor, it’s likely that the organization will consider his preferences as they aim to entice James to stay in Los Angeles.

According to reports from The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Jovan Buha, and Sam Amick, James’ return is crucial to the Lakers’ strategy.

However, it remains uncertain whether James will continue playing for the Lakers. He currently holds a $51.42 million player option for the 2024-25 season that he has yet to decide on. Nonetheless, Charania, Buha, and Amick reported that the Lakers are prepared to offer him a maximum three-year extension.

The Lakers are also reportedly exploring the possibility of pursuing Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue, another candidate with ties to James. Lue previously coached James and the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first NBA title in the 2015-16 season.

Whether it’s by considering coaches who have worked with James before, like Redick or Lue, or selecting an experienced coach with championship credentials, such as another potential candidate, Mike Budenholzer, James will likely have an influence on the decision-making process. Ultimately, the Lakers’ management will aim to position the team for contention next season, potentially affecting James’ decision to remain in Los Angeles for another season.