Lakers Rumors: JJ Redick ‘Slightly Ahead of the Field’ for HC Job amid Latest Buzz

Adam WellsMay 14, 2024

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Even though the Los Angeles Lakers haven’t formally interviewed any candidates for their vacant head-coaching position yet, JJ Redick appears to have a leg up on everyone else at this early juncture.

The Athletic’s Jovan Buha said on his YouTube channel that Redick is “slightly ahead of the field” right now (starts at 5:00 mark).

This comes on the heels of Buha and Shams Charania reporting earlier on Tuesday that Redick, Sam Cassell and James Borrego are the “initial leading targets” for the Lakers as they have started the process of contacting candidates to schedule interviews.

The report also notes that former Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski is being used as an “unofficial resource” for the Lakers in this process.

Depending on how much input Krzyzewski has, it could further boost Redick’s chances. He played four seasons under Coach K at Duke from 2002 to ’06.

Even though Redick has no previous coaching experience of any kind, this is the second consecutive year he’s met with teams. He interviewed with the Toronto Raptors last summer before the club hired Darko Rajaković.

According to Charania, Redick was a “serious candidate” for the Charlotte Hornets before they announced Charles Lee’s hiring on May 9.

Redick has made himself into an intriguing coaching candidate based on the knowledge he brings as a broadcaster and his various podcast shows, including one he co-hosts with LeBron James.

If the Lakers want a candidate who can get through to James, assuming he stays with the club, Redick would seem like a strong option based on their rapport from their podcast.

The Lakers are seeking a new head coach after firing Darvin Ham on May 3. He went 90-74 in two seasons, losing to the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs both years.