With Dan Hurley from UConn out of the conversation, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves back at the starting block in their hunt for a new coach. Could this lead them back to considering JJ Redick?
Indeed, the Lakers’ search seems to have come full circle as they were rebuffed by Hurley, who prefers to stay put where title dreams are more realistic. Plus, he won’t be dealing with a superstar approaching middle age.
Now, names like Redick are popping up as possible plan B candidates.
According to Hoops Wire, the Lakers might refocus their attention on Redick — the ex-NBA guard turned ESPN commentator who also happens to have LeBron James’s ear.
The team reportedly kept communications open with other candidates while wooing Hurley, as sources indicate.
Yet, there’s a variety of other coaches in the running – from the Pelicans’ assistant and former Hornets leader James Borrego to Celtics’ assistant Sam Cassell, to Nuggets’ assistant David Adelman, among others.
Ex-Villanova coach Jay Wright is also on the radar according to a tip from a “well-informed” source to Marc Stein of The Stein Line.
While Anthony Davis, the Lakers’ star center, might lean towards Borrego over Redick.
“Some within the league believe that Anthony Davis may favor James Borrego for the coaching role over Redick,” Stein remarked. “Borrego has the edge of having been a head coach twice before, plus he worked with Davis during his initial time with the Pelicans following Davis’s first pick draft in 2012.”
Redick brings no coaching background to the table. His recent venture includes providing analysis for ESPN and launching a podcast with James. Nevertheless, James is reportedly keeping out of the coaching decision process.
Another bit of information hints that should Redick secure the head coach position, Borrego might step in as an assistant. But Stein casts doubt on this possibility.
“As initially shared on May 27, it’s widely acknowledged in coaching circles that the Lakers would want Borrego as part of the coaching team if Redick is selected as head coach,” Stein wrote. “Still, there’s skepticism about the Pelicans allowing Borrego, their current associate head coach, to make a horizontal career move while under contract. Will the Lakers be able to recruit Borrego if he’s not the top pick?”
At 46, Borrego has also engaged with Cleveland, emerging as a prime candidate for the Cavaliers — possibly even the frontrunner, per rumors.
Before his current role with the Pelicans, Borrego helmed the Hornets, tallying a 138-163 record between 2018-22, and seeing the team improve their win total annually in his last three years.
Redick, aged 39, boasts 15 NBA seasons under his belt with an array of teams, including the Magic, Bucks, Clippers, 76ers, Pelicans, and Mavericks. He ranks 18th in the league’s history for 3-point field goal accuracy at 41.5%.
