Lakers focus on JJ Redick as favorite for next coach: sources

The Los Angeles Lakers are focusing on JJ Redick as the front-runner for the franchise’s next head coach, league and media industry sources said. Athleticism.

No final decision has been made yet and the Lakers still have steps to go in their head coaching search process, league sources said. But all indications are that Redick is their first choice at this point.

The Lakers’ search has seriously focused on two candidates — Redick and Pelicans associate coach James Borrego — over the past two weeks, league sources said.

Redick was the first candidate to have a face-to-face meeting with the Lakers three weeks ago, and Borrego had an in-person interview with Lakers officials for the second time last week and the franchise was impressed by him throughout the process. according to team sources. Anthony Davis and Borrego, who briefly crossed paths in New Orleans, have also struck up a relationship recently.

Redick, a media analyst, serves as color commentator for the NBA Finals, which begin Thursday night in Boston, fueling belief around the NBA that a potential hire would officially take place and be announced after the series.

The Lakers also held 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 with knowledge of the matter said that one person who has become a respected unofficial resource for the Lakers during the process is legendary former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, whose extensive knowledge of candidates, such as Redick and others, provides perspective on the culture of the organization. the 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 are looking for a coach who has the potential and toughness to be their leader for now and long term, as someone who will command the locker room and hold players accountable, as well as relentlessly plan the game and will provide a level of structure and organization, according to these sources. The franchise is believed to view Redick as the candidate who can check those boxes, these sources said.

Sources described Lakers officials as “smitten” with Redick and his potential as a coach.

Redick has yet to coach above the youth level. He is the most forward-thinking candidate given his high-profile playing career, led as a media personality and his recent “Mind the Game” podcast with LeBron James. Nonetheless, James has made it known that he remains 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 3-point range, 44.7 percent from the field and 89.2 percent from the free throw line. .

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(Photo: Evan Yu/NBAE via Getty Images)