Report: JJ Redick is Lakers’ leading choice to become head coach

Apr 12, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard JJ Redick (17) warms up before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

From the moment Darvin Ham was officially fired by the Los Angeles Lakers, all the talk suggested that J.J. Redick was the favorite to replace him as head coach. That remains the case.

A report from The Athletic’s Shams Charania that was published on Tuesday characterized Redick as the front-runner and “leading choice” for the Lakers job.

The Lakers seem to be down to either Redick or current Charlotte Hornets assistant coach James Borrego, Charania reports. The Lakers could be waiting until the NBA Finals are completed before making the announcement; Redick is serving as a TV analyst for the Finals.

Former Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski has reportedly been advising the Lakers on their search. Redick was a star player under Coach K at Duke from 2002-2006.

Redick does not have previous experience as a head coach. The 39-year-old played in the NBA for 15 seasons from 2007-2021. His longest stints as a player came with the Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Clippers.