The Lakers’ new Head Coach appointment has turned into a saga since the franchise fired Darvin Ham following their first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Nuggets. Multiple heavyweight candidates have been linked with the hiring process, but there’s seemingly no end to the selection process, which has hit its second month.
JJ Redick has been seen as a frontrunner throughout the saga, and recently, an NBA insider suggested that the much-awaited moment of announcement is imminent. “Had JJ Redick not been in the position of calling the NBA Finals, he would have been the Lakers coach. Like if JJ was working for TNT and TNT does not have the NBA Finals I think JJ Redick is probably the Lakers head coach right now,” said Jovan Buha of the Athletic on Allen Silwa’s “Hoops Talk”.
According to the insider, Redick still leads the race for the head coach, but Dan Hauser’s inclusion has spiced things up from a neutral perspective. The Lakers reportedly are ready to offer a $100 million contract, which will surely not be topped by the Huskies.
JJ Redick’s selection can help the Lakers keep LeBron James around, whose future with the franchise is in doubt. But another big name in the gold and purple brigade is not ready to accept the former Magic guard as the one calling the shots.
Anthony Davis Not In Favour Of JJ Redick’s Appointment
As the time on the court for LeBron James winds down, Anthony Davis will surely be the next face of the Lakers. Hence, keeping the former Pelicans C is important from the franchise’s perspective as well. And if that happens, then JJ Redick is not going to the Lakers.
Marc Stein says, “It has been suggested in some corners of the league that Lakers star big man Anthony Davis probably prefers for James Borrego to get the job over Redick.” The insider also wrote in his substack that James Borrego is the favored HC candidate for AD, who wants an experienced man at the helm.
Davis’s distaste for Redick could be because the analyst did not vote for him to be on the All-Defensive NBA 1st and 2nd teams.
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Given the situation following extended rounds of interviews and the latest inclusion of Dan Hauser into the mix, it could take another few weeks before the dust completely settles and we get the ultimate name for the new Lakers HC.
Also Read: Josh Hart Supports JJ Redick Coaching Endorsement Amid Nick Wright’s Bold Predictions
