The Los Angeles Lakers are on the brink of a significant transformation as they transition from the LeBron James-Anthony Davis era to the next phase of their storied franchise.
In search of a head coach who can grow with the team and maximize player development, the Lakers have zeroed in on three intriguing candidates: JJ Redick, James Borrego, and Sam Cassell.
JJ Redick has been catching considerable attention despite his lack of coaching experience at the NBA level.
JJ Redick is the front runner to land the head coaching job with the Lakers, per @jovanbuha
“Right now, I believe JJ Redick is slightly ahead of the field”
(h/t @BASKETBALLonX ) pic.twitter.com/MqeLmyPqCW
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 14, 2024
Known for his high-profile playing career, media personality, and recent podcast endeavors with James, Redick has expressed a strong desire to transition to head coaching.
He has even interviewed for coaching positions with other NBA teams. His leadership abilities and deep understanding of the game make him a compelling candidate.
While Redick’s potential has generated excitement, some skepticism remains due to his inexperience. However, Redick’s keen basketball intellect and ability to connect with players are seen as vital assets.
The Lakers believe that his fresh perspective and media-savvy background could invigorate the team and attract new opportunities.
James Borrego, currently an associate head coach with the New Orleans Pelicans, offers ample head coaching experience from his stints with the Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic.
His track record of offensive improvement with the Pelicans and previous success with the Hornets makes him an attractive candidate for the Lakers.
Sam Cassell, a 54-year-old assistant coach with the Boston Celtics. Known for his player development skills and extensive NBA career, which includes three championships as a player, Cassell has earned respect across the league for his coaching acumen.
Cassell’s ability to nurture and guide talents seems perfectly suited for the Lakers’ youth-focused future.
As the Lakers navigate the transition from the LeBron James-Anthony Davis era to the next phase of Lakers basketball, they are laser-focused on fostering a long-term vision.
They aim to find a coach who can lead the team through this evolution while extracting the best from Anthony Davis and developing their upcoming talents.