JJ Redick is being hired as coach of the Lakers on a four-year contract, ESPN reported Thursday.

The 39-year-old Redick is an extraordinary choice by the Lakers, who hired a 15-year veteran with absolutely no coaching experience to lead a franchise with 17 NBA titles, one of the biggest brand names in world sports — and LeBron James, the top scorer in league history.

Redick played for six teams before his retirement in September 2021, when he moved into a career in broadcasting and podcasting.

UConn coach Danny Hurley turned down the Lakers’ ardent advances less than two weeks ago. And now Redick replaces Darvin Ham, who was fired May 3.

Redick began recording a regular podcast with James two months ago.

Everything is contingent on James deciding to return to play with the Lakers. The 39-year-old could decline his contract option later this month to become a free agent.

The Bulls are trading two-time All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso, 30, to the Thunder for 21-year-old G Josh Giddey, ESPN reported.

College basketball: The NCAA presented a plan to D-I conference commissioners that would expand the men’s and women’s tournaments by four or eight teams alongside an option to leave each field at 68 teams, ESPN reported.

Golf: Tom Kim shot an opening-round 8-under-par 62 to take a two-stroke lead at the PGA Tour’s no-cut Travelers Championship in Cromwell, Conn. ... World No. 1 Nelly Korda shot an opening-round 3-under 69 to take the clubhouse lead in the Women’s PGA Championship at Sahalee in Sammamish, Wash. The round wasn’t completed when this edition went to print.

Soccer: Spain beat Italy 1-0 on an own goal by the defending champ to advance to the knockout stage at Euro 2024.

WNBA: Angel Reese recorded her seventh consecutive double-double to set a WNBA rookie record as the Sky eased past the visiting Wings 83-72.