Lakers Rumors: Anthony Davis ‘Probably Prefers’ James Borrego as HC over JJ Redick

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekFeatured Columnist IVJune 6, 2024

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There may be something of a twist in the Los Angeles Lakers’ search for a new head coach.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported Wednesday that some around the league have “suggested” Lakers star Anthony Davis “probably prefers” New Orleans assistant coach James Borrego over JJ Redick as a replacement for the fired Darvin Ham.

Stein noted there was a bit of an overlap between Borrego and Davis in New Orleans, as the former was an assistant coach when the latter was drafted No. 1 overall in the 2012 NBA draft.

As for Redick, Stein highlighted “an interesting discussion point if nothing else” while pointing out the current ESPN broadcaster did not vote for Davis as a First or Second Team All-Defensive selection this season.

Davis still ended up on the All-Defensive First Team.

It may come down to Redick and Borrego, as Stein reported they “have clearly separated themselves as the top two candidates.”

There is a connection between Redick and Los Angeles’ other star, as he co-hosts the podcast Mind The Game with LeBron James. It should be noted that James’ agent, Rich Paul, told Chris Haynes of Turner Sports last month that the King “is not involved” in the coaching search, suggesting he is not pushing for Redick.

Still there is a notable juxtaposition there if Davis truly would rather have the other finalist over James’ podcast co-host.

This comes after Shams Charania of The Athletic reported on Wednesday the Lakers were “zeroing in on” Redick. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst cautioned Redick is not a sure thing even though he will “probably” be the next head coach.

It has reached a point that Redick himself said he will not address the speculation until after he is done broadcasting the NBA Finals:

GoJo and Golic @GoJoandGolic”My focus is on the NBA Finals. In terms of Shams, that will be addressed once the season is over. I’ll just say that.” @jj_redick addresses the elephant in the room — the rumors of the Lakers’ interest in him as their new Head Coach pic.twitter.com/6OwYnG5iHQ

Redick played for 15 seasons and has remained around the game as a broadcaster and podcast host, but he does not have any experience as a head coach. It would be a risky move at best for a Lakers team that will surely be looking to pursue a championship with the James and Davis combination in 2024-25.

He also can’t match Borrego’s experience, as the Pelicans assistant is in his second tenure as an assistant for New Orleans. He was also an assistant for the Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs before serving as the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets for four seasons from 2018-19 through 2021-22.

Perhaps Davis values that experience as the Lakers’ coaching search continues.