Anthony Davis Prefer James Borrego To JJ Redick As Lakers Coach?

The two finalists for the Los Angeles Lakers coaching vacancy appear to be former NBA shooting guard JJ Redick and James Borrego, with Redick viewed as having the edge.

But star big man Anthony Davis may prefer Borrego, per Marc Stein of The Stein Line.

“It has been suggested in some corners of the league that Lakers star big man Anthony Davis probably prefers for James Borrego to get the job over Redick,” Stein wrote. “Not only has Borrego been a head coach twice already in Orlando and Charlotte compared to Redick’s lack of head coaching experience, but he and Davis overlapped briefly during Borrego’s first stint with the Pelicans after Davis was drafted No. 1 overall in June 2012.”

Redick, of course, has no head-coaching experience. He has spent the past few seasons as a broadcast analyst for ESPN — and just recently started a podcast with Lakers star LeBron James. But it’s been said that James is staying out of the coaching search.

Another report suggested that Borrego may be in line to become an assistant with the Lakers should Redick get the job. But that doesn’t seem really likely, according to Stein.

“As first reported here May 27, it’s now an open secret in league coaching circles that the Lakers would still want Borrego on the coaching staff if Redick indeed proves to be their choice to take over as head coach,” Stein wrote. “Yet I’ve heard skepticism about the Pelicans’ readiness to let Borrego, currently associate head coach in New Orleans under Willie Green, make that sort of lateral move while still under contract. Can the Lakers get Borrego if they don’t make him the head coach?”

Borrego, 46, reportedly has also interviewed with Cleveland and is considered a top candidate with the Cavaliers.

Before joining Green and the Pelicans, he served as head coach of the Hornets, compiling a 138-163 record from 2018-22. The Hornets improved by 10 wins in each of Borrego’s final three seasons.

Redick, 39, played 15 years in the NBA with the Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks. He’s 18th in NBA history in 3-point field goal percentage (41.5%).