The Los Angeles Lakers are eyeing JJ Redick as the leading candidate to become the team’s next head coach, according to league and media sources. Athletic.
A final decision has not been made and the Lakers are still in the process of selecting a head coach, according to league sources, but Redick appears to be the likely front-runner at this stage.
According to league sources, the Lakers’ recruitment effort in recent weeks has been heavily focused on two candidates: Redick and Pelicans assistant head coach James Borrego.
Redick was the first candidate to interview in person with the Lakers three weeks ago, and Borrego met with Lakers officials for the second time last week, with a team source saying the organization was impressed with Redick during the process. Borrego has also recently built a rapport with Anthony Davis after spending a brief time together in New Orleans.
Redick, a media analyst, will be commentating on the NBA Finals, which begin Thursday night in Boston, and there is growing speculation within the NBA that the hiring could be officially announced after the series ends.
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The Lakers have also interviewed several other candidates, including Celtics assistant Sam Cassell, Heat assistant Chris Quinn, Timberwolves assistant Micah Noli and Nuggets assistant David Adelman.
One person who has been an informal but respected source for the Lakers throughout this process has been legendary former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, whose intimate knowledge of Redick and other candidates has offered insight into the organization’s desired culture and the characteristics of a potential staff surrounding its next head coach, according to multiple sources briefed on the matter.
Krzyzewski’s history with the Lakers dates back to 2004, when Dr. Jerry Buss urged but failed to hire Coach K. Redick played under Krzyzewski at Duke from 2002-06.
The Lakers are looking for a coach with the potential and staying power to lead the team now and for the long term, someone who can lead the locker room, hold players accountable, be a dynamic game planner and provide some structure and organization, according to people familiar with the matter. The team sees Redick as a candidate who fits that bill, according to people familiar with the matter.
Sources say Lakers officials are “enthralled” with Redick and his coaching potential.
Redick has no coaching experience beyond the youth level, but his high-profile playing career, work as a media personality and recent appearance on the “Mind the Game” podcast with LeBron James make him the most forward-thinking of the candidates. But James has made it clear he will not be involved in the team’s coaching search, according to people familiar with the matter.
Redick played 15 seasons in the NBA, playing for six teams including the Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Clippers. A renowned shooter, he averaged 12.8 points per game, 41.5% from three-point range, 44.7% from the field and 89.2% from the free throw line.
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(Photo: Evan Yu/NBAE via Getty Images)
