The Los Angeles Lakers are zeroing in on JJ Redick as the favorite to be the franchise’s next head coach, league and media industry sources told The Athletic.
A final decision has not yet been made and the Lakers still have steps left in their head coaching search process, league sources said. But there are strong indications that Redick is their top option at this stage.
The Lakers’ search has seriously focused on two candidates – Redick and Pelicans associate head coach James Borrego – over the past few weeks, league sources said.
Redick was the first candidate to have a face-to-face meeting with the Lakers three weeks ago, and Borrego did an in-person interview with Lakers officials for the second time last week and the franchise was impressed with him during the process. according to team sources. Anthony Davis and Borrego, who met briefly in New Orleans, have also built a good relationship recently.
Redick, a media analyst, is serving as a color commentator for the NBA Finals, which begin Thursday night in Boston, fueling belief in the NBA that a potential hire would officially take place and be announced later. of the series.
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The Lakers have also had interviews with several other candidates, including Celtics assistant Sam Cassell, Heat assistant Chris Quinn, Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori and Nuggets assistant David Adelman.
Multiple sources briefed on the matter said one person who has become a respected unofficial resource for the Lakers during the process is legendary former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, whose deep knowledge of candidates like Redick and others provides insight. organizational culture perspective. desires and characteristics of a potential staff around the next head coach.
Krzyzewski’s history with the Lakers dates back to 2004, when Dr. Jerry Buss made a strong but unsuccessful bid to hire Coach K. Redick played for Krzyzewski at Duke from 2002 to 2006.
The Lakers have been looking for a coach who has the potential and staying power to be their boss now and long term, someone who will lead the locker room and hold players accountable, as well as a tireless game plan and provide a level of structure and organization, according to those sources. The franchise is believed to view Redick as the candidate who can check those boxes, those sources said.
Sources have described Lakers officials as “in love” with Redick and his potential as a coach.
Redick has yet to coach above the youth level. He is the most progressive candidate given his notable playing career, his career as a media personality and his recent “Mind the Game” podcast with LeBron James. However, James has made it known that he will stay out of the team’s coaching search, according to people involved in the matter.
Redick played 15 seasons in the NBA with six teams, including the Orlando Magic and the LA Clippers. A renowned shooter, he posted a career average of 12.8 points per game on 41.5 percent shooting from three-point range, 44.7 percent from the field and 89.2 percent from the line. free shots.
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