Pacers have pieces, but George void too big to fill

Tyrese Haliburton and Anthony Edwards were two of the leaders of a young United States team at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Haliburton said that experience was enough that both young guards want to continue to play for Team USA moving forward.

When asked how he felt about American-born superstars saying they wanted spots on Team USA for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Haliburton understood. Even though news that those players want to play this coming summer broke before Team USA was even home from the World Cup, Haliburton said that he and Edwards want to play for their country again.

“We all saw when we landed and kind of went our separate ways. And never really talked about it. I just know a lot of that group that was together, especially like me and Ant (Anthony Edwards), us two being two of the younger dudes there, we know that we both want to play for USA moving forward and kind of help, you know, the torch be passed.,” Haliburton said. “And it looks like this upcoming year is going to be, you know, the big guys want to play, and a lot of these guys probably want this to be their last run. But I think that me and Ant, we both feel like we were deserving to be on the team, and we would love to be on the team. I don’t even have to ask him, I already know. But it’s not up for us to decide. We’ve got to do what we can. We know we want to be a part of that – continuing what USA does.”

J.J. Redick has agreed to become the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers on a four-year contract, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Redick was offered the job by Rob Pelinka on Thursday morning.

According to The Athletic, Redick will make approximately $8 million per year on the deal.

The Lakers and Redick plan on surrounding him with an elite coaching staff to help his learning curve in what is his first coaching job. Redick previously interviewed with the Toronto Raptors in 2023, and with the Charlotte Hornets during this coaching cycle. Redick’s only coaching experience has been with his son’s youth basketball team.

Redick had been linked to the Lakers’ job since May when they parted ways with Darvin Ham. James Borrego and Dan Hurley were the other leading candidates for the job. Hurley was reportedly offered the job on a six-year, $70 million deal that he declined in order to remain at UConn. Sam Cassell, Micah Nori, David Adelman and Chris Quinn also conducted virtual meetings.

Redick hosted a podcast with LeBron James during the second half of the 23-24 season. James is currently expected to become a free agent and re-sign with the Lakers on a multi-year deal.