Lakers’ coaching search gets ‘scattered’ update from Brian Windhorst

The buzz around the Los Angeles Lakers hiring JJ Redick as head coach is getting louder. Despite this, the Lakers insist they haven’t made a final decision and are still evaluating several candidates.

Among those the Lakers are considering, James Borrego stands out as a strong contender, but the prevailing sentiment is that Redick will ultimately land the job.

Lakers still early in their process

“There’s a very strong attempt, maybe I’m giving away my feelings by saying attempt, there’s a very strong message coming out that the Lakers are still very, still early in their process, that there’s still steps to be done, and that they’re being very thorough and there’s nothing to see here and don’t worry about that,” said ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on The Hoop Collective Podcast.

“Probably will have to wait until after The Finals,” Tim MacMahon chimed in.

“Probably,” laughed Windhorst. “I will report that this is what I’m being told by multiple people.”

Redick has emerged as the clear frontrunner for the Lakers’ head coach position. Many believe Los Angeles is simply biding their time until they can officially bring him on board. Redick is currently scheduled to call the NBA Finals, and the Lakers might be waiting until the Finals conclude before making the announcement official.

“There is information out there otherwise involving JJ Redick,” Windhorst added. “I will just sit here and I will tell you that my information on this is scattered, I have some people saying this is JJ Redick’s job that I trust, and I have some people saying that this is a process that is not complete.”

The race between JJ Redick and James Borrego

“I suspect I know something but I am just going to tell you that there’s multiple streams of information. James Borrego has had multiple meetings with the Lakers, I do think that he is a viable candidate for sure, but I think JJ Redick is a very strong candidate.”

As the Lakers continue their search, they might favor a coach with proven coaching experience over Redick. This interest in Borrego stems from his background, including head coaching stints with the Charlotte Hornets and extensive assistant coaching roles with teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Orlando Magic, and currently the New Orleans Pelicans.

“The Lakers knew for quite some time that they were going to probably change their coach. Rob Pelinka had a long time to evaluate what his situation and his candidates were. Wherever they are in their process, there’s no choice for them to put a lot of thought into this,” said Windhorst.

“I don’t think they have the most ideal set of candidates they may dream when replacing a head coach who has been successful. But I also think they have a pretty good idea of what they’re doing.”

The Lakers’ careful strategy suggests they are committed to making a well-thought-out decision, leaving onlookers eager to see who will ultimately take the reins as head coach. At the same time, reports indicate the Lakers are actively considering other strategic moves this summer, aiming to construct a competitive roster around their key players.