Report: Lakers Pursuing Dwane Casey, Jacque Vaughn To Join JJ Redick’s Coaching Staff

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Los Angeles Lakers are pursuing Dwane Casey and Jacque Vaughn to join JJ Redick‘s coaching staff.

One of the best shooters in NBA history, Redick has yet to coach above the youth level. He played 15 years in the NBA with the Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks.

“The Lakers are still searching for former head coaches to join JJ Redick’s coaching staff,” Stein wrote. “Among the names they are said to have pursued: Dwane Casey (who moved into a front office role in Detroit after coaching the Pistons for five seasons through 2022-23) and Jacque Vaughn (who was fired by the Nets after just a year-plus in charge in February).”

Redick signed a four-year deal worth in the neighborhood of $8 million per season with the Lakers, who fired Darvin Ham after two seasons.

The Lakers went 47-35 in 2023-24. They lost to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2024 playoffs in five games.

Denver also beat Los Angeles in the 2023 Western Conference Finals. 

According to NBA insiders Shams Charania, Jovan Buha and Sam Amick of The Athletic, Redick is focused on elevating Anthony Davis’ involvement and alleviating LeBron James‘ workload.

LeBron, 39, is the oldest player in the NBA. He turns 40 in December. 

“He explained his decision-making process when it comes to strategy, how the analysis and empirical evidence would always guide his choices rather than preconceived notions or outdated beliefs,” Charania, Buha and Amick wrote. “Redick described a system molded around this roster, focusing on elevating Davis’ involvement, particularly late in games, and alleviating the constant ballhandling duties on James by utilizing him more off the ball. Keeping James, who turns 40 in December, fresh down the stretch of the regular season and into the playoffs will be critical.”

LeBron can become an unrestricted free agent this offseason if he declines his 2024-25 player option with the Lakers.

Most NBA insiders expect LeBron to return to LA to continue his partnership with Davis.