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Quick Bytes
- Dan Hurley turns down the Lakers’ head coaching offer, staying with UConn.
- JJ Redick emerges as a top candidate for the Lakers’ head coach position.
- James Borrego and Sam Cassell are not interested in assistant roles with the Lakers.
- Borrego interviews for the Cavaliers’ head coach job; Cassell may get a Celtics promotion.
Lakers’ Coaching Search Continues
The Los Angeles Lakers are back to evaluating their coaching options after UConn’s Dan Hurley declined a lucrative offer to join the team. Hurley’s decision to pursue a third consecutive National Championship with UConn has the Lakers considering other candidates, including ESPN analyst JJ Redick, who is scheduled for an interview.
While Redick is a frontrunner, James Borrego and Sam Cassell, both initially on the Lakers’ radar, seem to have other plans. Borrego is a strong contender for the Cleveland Cavaliers’ head coaching position and is expected to be a sought-after candidate in the next hiring cycle. Cassell, on the other hand, is likely to receive a promotion with the Boston Celtics, especially as they are close to clinching the 2024 NBA Finals.
The Lakers are keen on assembling a strong coaching team to support Redick, should he be appointed, due to his lack of NBA coaching experience. They aim to pair him with seasoned coaches who can guide him through his transition. Meanwhile, Dan Hurley has hinted that while he’s committed to UConn, there was a potential offer that could have swayed his decision, suggesting the Lakers’ bid was close to his threshold.
