JJ Redick is the front-runner to be the following head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, however no choice on the place has been made, The Athletic’s Shams Charania studies.
Per the report, Redick is the favourite for the job over fellow candidate James Borrego, the affiliate head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans. Redick, a former NBA participant, is at present a broadcast analyst for ESPN. The Lakers nonetheless have a number of steps deliberate of their head-coaching search, per the report.
Redick, 39, has by no means held a training place past the youth degree. He performed 15 seasons within the NBA as a taking pictures specialist from 2006-2021. He was beforehand a standout taking pictures guard at Duke from 2002-06. Since retiring as a participant, Redick has labored as a broadcast analyst for ESPN.
Redick has emerged as a training candidate on a number of events since retiring and reportedly interviewed with the Charlotte Hornets this offseason along with the Lakers. The Hornets employed Boston Celtics assistant Charles Lee to take over for Steve Clifford, who moved right into a front-office advisory position in April. Redick additionally reportedly interviewed for the Toronto Raptors teaching job in 2023.
Charania cited sources declaring that the Lakers have grow to be “infatuated” with Redick throughout their teaching search. Throughout its search, the franchise has been consulting with former Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski, who coached Redick throughout his 4 years in Durham.
Redick additionally has a relationship with LeBron James and co-hosts a podcast with the Lakers celebrity. James has an choice to choose out of his contract with the Lakers and holds vital leverage with the franchise.
The Lakers have held in-person interviews with each Redick and Borrego as their search has narrowed to the 2 candidates, per the report. Borrego has “impressed” in his interviews, based on the report. He is labored on NBA sidelines as an assistant or head coach with San Antonio Spurs, Pelicans, Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic since 2003. He was the interim head coach of the Magic in 2015 and the top coach of the Hornets from 2018-2022.
Throughout their search, the Lakers have additionally reportedly interviewed with Celtics assistant Sam Cassell, Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, Denver Nuggets assistant David Adelman and Miami Warmth assistant Chris Quinn.
