The Lakers have pinpointed a new favorite in their head coaching search.
ESPN analyst and LeBron James podcast co-host JJ Redick will formally interview with the Lakers this weekend in Los Angeles, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Wojnarowski added that with a “strong performance” in the interview, Redick is “expected” to be at the “forefront” of the team’s quest for a new leader after Dan Hurley turned down the Lakers’ $70 million offer to remain at UConn.
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, owner Jeanie Buss and other “senior decision-makers” reportedly are expected to partake in a day-long interview.
The Lakers were “embarrassed” after missing out on Hurley, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported, and there was some thought Redick wouldn’t want to be seen as as backup option, but Redick “understands and accepts” the team’s interest in Hurley, per Wojnarowski.
There have been conflicting reports on Redick’s status in the Lakers search, with him being considered both a front-runner and fallback option at various points.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported on June 4 that Redick was in pole position to land the job and that Redick conducted an initial interview with the franchise in late May.
However, Wojnarowski challenged that, asserting that LA had zeroed in on Hurley and that he had always been the top choice. The Lakers then made Hurley the offer to lead their franchise.
With Hurley now out of the picture, it clears the path for Redick.
Redick, 39, has been busy calling NBA Finals games alongside Mike Breen and Doris Burke — but with the Celtics leading the Mavericks, 3-0, and Game 4 scheduled for Friday night, that series could wrap up prior to Redick’s interview.
The former sharp-shooter for the Magic, Clippers and others has quickly ascended through the media ranks, touted for his schematic acumen and modern approach to analysis.
After retiring from the NBA in 2021, Redick joined ESPN and has since made appearances on “First Take,” “NBA Today” and other marquee programs.
Redick isn’t the only candidate the Lakers are entertaining, though.
Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer reported on June 12 that Pelicans assistant James Borrego is viewed by some in basketball as a “leading candidate” for Los Angeles’ vacancy.
Borrego, though, may be instead headed to Cleveland.
If Redick does indeed land the Lakers job, an interesting dynamic would be his relationship with James, with whom he hosts the “Mind the Game” podcast devoted to basketball strategy.
Redick, who will turn 40 later this month, would be the sixth-youngest head coach in the NBA, should he land the job.