While the Los Angeles Lakers continue to search for a head coach, all signs point to one candidate: on Saturday, they gave former player and current broadcaster J.J.Redick his first official interview. Several team members had a conversation with the former Duke standout about the team’s head coaching opening.
Following his initial contact at the NBA Draft Combine and his current status as a final candidate for a meeting with owner Jenny Buss, general manager Rob Pelinka, executive vice president, and other important Lakers figures, Redick’s move was a pivotal part of the team’s coach’s quest as an outside favorite.
LeBron James with former coach Darvin Ham
Although some club members have stated that the team doesn’t absolutely need to select a coach prior to the June 26–27 NBA draft, there are still crucial choices to be made, such as whether to trade up to three players selected in the first round.
Even though Reddick was considered by many as a backup, his name was once again considered a good idea after leading the club in scoring.
The Lakers hosted JJ Redick to interview him for their head coaching vacancy Saturday according to people with knowledge of the talks. https://t.co/MXKpxHhhLO
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) June 16, 2024
Lakers do have further prospects other than J.J.Redick
The Lakers had already welcomed head coach Dan Hurley of Connecticut and assistant coach James Borrego of New Orleans. Hurley turned down a six-year, $70 million contract from the team in order to remain with the Huskies.
It took almost a month to find Darwin Hom’s replacement, and Pelinka spearheaded the process at initially through a series of casual talks. The organization had conversations with a number of potential candidates in addition to Borrego, Hurley, and Redick, such as Boston assistant Sam Cassell, Denver coach David Adelman, and Minnesota assistant Micah Nori.
“It will probably be the biggest challenge in Lakers history in terms of coaching.” @jamesworthy42 on the JJ Reddick & Lakers rumors.
(Via @PetrosAndMoney) pic.twitter.com/Gyeg1wnkAT
— AM 570 LA Sports (@AM570LASports) May 30, 2024
Those with knowledge of the matter, who want to remain anonymous, said that Redick has communicated with Pelinka on multiple occasions since Homme’s termination. But from the beginning of the search, outside observers thought Redick may be a contender. Before committing himself to the Lakers’ run for the championship, he was briefly connected to a position in Charlotte.
