Quick Bytes
- Lakers close to hiring JJ Redick as head coach, drawing comparisons to Pat Riley.
- Anthony Davis may favor hiring James Borrego, citing previous positive experience.
- Redick and LeBron James share a good relationship through their podcast collaboration.
- Redick currently focused on NBA Finals broadcast, not Lakers coaching rumors.
Lakers Coaching Update: Redick in Lead, Davis Prefers Borrego
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly on the brink of appointing JJ Redick as their new head coach, with his potential likened to that of legendary coach Pat Riley. Despite lacking coaching experience, Redick’s player credibility and rapport with LeBron James, co-host of the “Mind the Game” podcast, bolster his candidacy.
Contrarily, Lakers’ star Anthony Davis is rumored to lean towards James Borrego, the New Orleans Pelicans assistant, for the head coaching role. NBA insider Marc Stein reveals that Davis’s preference is influenced by his and Borrego’s past collaboration in New Orleans. Borrego’s dual experience as a head coach and his recent impressive interview with the Lakers add to his appeal.
The decision is critical as Davis’s agent, Rich Paul, has emphasized the importance of aligning the coaching choice with Davis’s career, especially as LeBron approaches his 40s. A potential compromise could see Redick as head coach with Borrego as his assistant, although this may not be a practical move for Borrego.
Amidst these speculations, Redick remains focused on his current role as an ESPN broadcaster for the 2024 NBA Finals, not publicly engaging with the coaching search narrative.
