JJ Redick is the favorite to be the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, but no decision on the position has been made, Atletico’s Shams Charania reports.
According to the report, Redick is the favorite for the job over fellow candidate James Borrego, associate head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans. Redick, a former NBA player, is currently a broadcast analyst for ESPN. The Lakers still have several steps planned in their search for a head coach, according to the report.
Redick, 39, has never held a coaching position beyond the youth level. He played 15 seasons in the NBA as a shooting specialist from 2006-21. Previously, he was a standout point guard at Duke from 2002-06. Since retiring as a player, Redick has worked as a broadcast analyst for ESPN.
Redick has emerged as a coaching candidate on several occasions since retiring and reportedly interviewed with the Charlotte Hornets this offseason in addition to the Lakers. The Hornets hired Boston Celtics assistant Charles Lee to replace Steve Clifford, who took on a front-office consulting role in April. Redick too allegedly interviewed for the position of head coach of the Toronto Raptors in 2023.
Charania cited sources who stated that the Lakers became “in love” with Redick during their coaching search. During its search, the franchise consulted with former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, who coached Redick during his four years in Durham.
Redick also has a relationship with LeBron James and co-hosts a podcast with the Lakers star. James has the option to opt out of his contract with the Lakers and holds significant influence over the franchise.
The Lakers conducted in-person interviews with Redick and Borrego as the search was limited to the two candidates, according to the report. Borrego “impressed” in his interviews, according to the report. He has worked outside the NBA as an assistant or head coach for the San Antonio Spurs, Pelicans, Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic since 2003. He was the interim coach of the Magic in 2015 and the head coach of the Hornets from 2018-22.
During the search, the Lakers also interviewed Celtics assistant Sam Cassell, Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, Denver Nuggets assistant David Adelman and Miami Heat assistant Chris Quinn.
