According to sources close to the situation, former NBA player turned ESPN color commentator JJ Redick is reportedly leading the race for the Los Angeles Lakers’ vacant head coaching position. The Athletic’s Shams Charania has learned from insiders familiar with the matter.
As the Lakers continue to deliberate, they are giving serious consideration to James Borrego, the associate head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans, alongside Redick, Charania reports.
Redick became the first candidate to meet with the Lakers in early May, with the franchise holding a subsequent meeting with Borrego last week.
The Lakers have conducted interviews with a number of assistant coaches, including Sam Cassell (Boston Celtics), Chris Quinn (Miami Heat), Micah Nori (Minnesota Timberwolves), and David Adelman (Denver Nuggets).
Sources within the Lakers organization suggest that Redick’s coaching potential is held in high regard, drawing comparisons to legendary coach Pat Riley.
In addition to his basketball acumen, Redick co-hosts the “Mind The Game” podcast with Lakers’ star LeBron James, and also runs the popular “The Old Man and the Three” podcast. Rich Paul, agent to LeBron James, stated in May that Redick’s candidacy is not merely a gesture to please the leading scorer in the NBA.
The Lakers parted ways with former head coach Darvin Ham in May, after he amassed a record of 90-74 over two seasons with the organization, including a 9-12 playoff record.
