JJ Redick Emerges as Top Candidate for Lakers’ Head Coaching Position

Sources close to the Los Angeles Lakers organization have indicated that JJ Redick, former NBA player and current ESPN color commentator, is currently the leading contender for the Lakers’ head coaching role, according to reports from The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

The Lakers are in the final stages of deliberation, with serious consideration also being given to James Borrego, associate head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans, as reported by Charania.

Redick was the initial candidate to meet with Lakers officials, with discussions taking place in early May. Borrego had a subsequent meeting with the franchise just last week.

In addition to Redick and Borrego, the Lakers have interviewed a number of assistant coaches, including Sam Cassell from the Boston Celtics, Chris Quinn from the Miami Heat, Micah Nori from the Minnesota Timberwolves, and David Adelman from the Denver Nuggets.

Reports suggest that the Lakers view Redick as possessing coaching potential comparable to that of legendary coach Pat Riley.

Aside from his basketball pedigree, Redick co-hosts the “Mind The Game” podcast with Lakers’ star LeBron James and hosts the popular podcast “The Old Man and the Three.” Rich Paul, agent to LeBron James, emphasized in May that Redick’s candidacy is not merely to appease the Lakers’ star player.

The Lakers recently parted ways with former head coach Darvin Ham in May. Ham amassed a record of 90-74 over two seasons with the team, with a playoff record of 9-12.