Three Names Appear Atop Lakers Coaching Search List

After Darvin Ham‘s firing last week, the Los Angeles Lakers are hunting for their third coach in five years. The team faces loads of off-season drama, including the future of star LeBron James, who can opt out of his contract at the end of the league year. However, the first order of business the Lakers must attend is their new head coach, and Shams Charania announced that GM Rob Pelinka has three names that stand out.

Former NBA player and media personality JJ Redick is beginning to pick up steam as a bench boss next season. He interviewed for the Charlotte Hornet’s job earlier in the off-season, and his name has been connected with the Lakers throughout the hiring cycle. Although he would be a first-time NBA coach at any level if hired, he played 15 years in the NBA and instantly went into the media and started calling games for ESPN after his retirement. Reddick also co-hosts a podcast with James; the two are close friends off the court.

Charania then listed James Borrego as another option the team is considering for Ham’s replacement. Borrego does boast head coaching experience on his resume, as he head-manned the Charlotte Hornets for four years between 2018 and 2022. His first coaching stint came as an assistant with the San Antonio Spurs, where he learned under the legendary coach Greg Popovich from 2003 to 2010. Currently, Borrego sits on the sideline with the New Orleans Pelicans and helped the Pels reach the playoffs this season.

Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzula hired away Sam Cassell from the Philidelphia 76ers last year, and his basketball knowledge and maturity helped lead the Celtics to the best regular season in the NBA. However, the former Florida State standout may be headed west after just one season in Beantown as the Lakers are interested in Cassell. While he has never been a head coach, the long-time assistant played 15 years in the NBA and coached as an assistant since 2009.

Article by Jordan Silversmith