After an intense week of pursuing UConn men’s basketball head coach Dan Hurley, the Lakers are back to square one in their search for a new head coach. Hurley, who was rumoured to be close to accepting the position, ultimately decided to stay in the collegiate ranks, leaving the Lakers scrambling to find a replacement with the NBA Draft looming in just over two weeks.
With Hurley out of the picture, the Lakers are refocusing on other potential candidates. According to ESPN, former NBA player and current ESPN broadcaster JJ Redick and New Orleans Pelicans assistant coach James Borrego remain strong contenders for the role. Borrego, who has already interviewed with the Lakers, previously served as the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets for four years. The Lakers also plan to schedule a formal interview with Redick, who was considered the top candidate before Hurley emerged as a frontrunner.
Other names on the Lakers’ radar include Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell, Nuggets assistant coach David Adelman, Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, and Heat assistant Chris Quinn.
Redick, despite lacking head coaching experience, was seen as a promising candidate due to his extensive playing career and recent insights as a commentator. He has stated that he will address coaching rumors after the NBA Finals, making his potential return to the race for the Lakers’ top job particularly intriguing.
The Lakers are under pressure to appoint a head coach before the NBA Draft, where they are anticipated to make significant decisions, including the potential drafting of Bronny James, LeBron James’ son, in the second round. The Lakers viewed Hurley as a strategic hire partly for his potential to develop Bronny, emphasizing the importance of player development in their coaching choice.
The Lakers’ attempt to secure Hurley with a six-year, $70 million offer fell short, highlighting their need to adjust their approach to attract top coaching talent. Now, the focus shifts back to finding a coach who can lead the team to success in the upcoming season and beyond.
As they navigate this critical juncture, they must ensure their next hire is well-equipped to handle the unique challenges and high expectations that come with coaching one of the NBA’s most storied franchises.
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