Lakers Begin Coaching Interviews With JJ Redick, Sam Cassell, Others

The Los Angeles Lakers have begun interviewing candidates for their coaching vacancy, per Shams Charania and Jovan Buha of The Athletic.

The list consists of previously reported names such as former NBA shooting guard and current ESPN analyst JJ Redick, former Charlotte Hornets coach James Borrego and Boston Celtics assistant and ex-NBA point guard Sam Cassell. Borrego is currently an assistant under Willie Green with the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Lakers also intend to meet with with Denver Nuggets assistant David Adelman, Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori and Miami Heat assistant Chris Quinn, another former NBA guard.

Redick may have the inside track, in part due to his close relationship with Lakers star LeBron James, per multiple reports.

“Leaguewide, Redick — a former player and media analyst — has garnered buzz for the position,” Charania and Buha wrote. “The Lakers are infatuated with Redick’s potential, according to league sources, viewing him as a Pat Riley-like coaching prospect who could both help the franchise in the short term and lead it for years.”

James’ agent, Rich Paul, denied that James is playing a role in the search.

“LeBron James and JJ Redick, they do a podcast together,” Paul told The Athletic. “That does not mean that (James) wants Redick as his head coach.”

Still, one report suggested that Los Angeles has “zeroed in” on Redick, particularly with NBA rival Tyronn Lue of the Los Angeles Clippers unavailable.

“Sources close to the Lakers say Redick is seen as someone who is incredibly organized, communicates well, and displays the kind of attention to detail in his analysis that makes them comfortable hiring not only a first-time head coach, but someone who has spent no time at all on a high-level coaching staff,” wrote Anthony Irwin of Lakers Daily. “Redick’s 14-year career as an impact player and his relationship with James lead them to believe he’ll be able to hold players accountable, sources say.”