The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly identified former NBA player JJ Redick as the primary target for their head coaching job. The franchise has been looking for a new head coach since firing Darvin Ham in May following a first-round playoff exit.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Lakers are now “zeroing in” on Redick and consider him the front-runner for the job. However, there are still several steps in the process that the LA team wants to complete before offering Redick the position.
The Lakers considered a number of candidates since starting their search for Ham’s replacement. They also interviewed Boston Celtics assistant Sam Cassell, Heat assistant Chris Quinn, and New Orleans Pelicans associate head coach James Borrego. It is believed that Borrego also has an outside chance of landing the job as he impressed in his interviews and has a rapport with franchise’s star Anthony Davis.
JJ Redick played 15 seasons in the NBA, suiting up for the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers, and Philadelphia 76ers, among other teams. He was known as an expert three-point shooter and still holds records for most three-pointers made in a single season for the Clippers and 76ers.
After retiring, Redick ventured into broadcasting and currently serves as an analyst for ESPN. He also has a notable podcast presence, including a podcast, Mind the Game, which he co-hosts with Lakers star LeBron James.
