Report: Lakers, Cavs pursuing 1 of same head coach candidates
Apr 22, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; The Los Angeles Lakers logo at center court during game three of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers have resumed their head coach search after being turned down by Dan Hurley, and they may have some competition for one of their top candidates.
James Borrego is scheduled to meet with the Cleveland Cavaliers about their vacant head coach job on Tuesday, according to NBA reporter Marc Stein. Borrego is also said to be “back at the forefront of the Lakers’ search” with Hurley remaining at UConn.
James Borrego is scheduled to meet with the Cavaliers about their head coaching vacancy in Cleveland today, league sources say.
Borrego is also back at the forefront of the Lakers' search after Dan Hurley passed on L.A.'s offer to stay at UConn.
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— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 11, 2024
Borrego is currently an assistant coach with the New Orleans Pelicans, but he has NBA head coach experience. The 46-year-old was the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets from 2018-2022. He also served as interim head coach of the Orlando Magic in 2014-15.
While Borrego’s career record of 148-183 (.447) is rather unimpressive, he is a well-regarded coach from Gregg Popovich’s coaching tree (winning NBA titles as an assistant on the San Antonio Spurs in 2005 and 2007).
Many have expected the Lakers to hire JJ Redick as their next head coach. Redick is currently covering the NBA Finals as an analyst for ESPN. In an interview last week, it seemed like he all but confirmed that he will be named the next head coach of the Lakers after the playoffs end. Yet, Borrego’s name continues to be linked to the job.
Hurley was reportedly L.A.’s top choice. Either the Lakers are simply waiting for the NBA Finals to conclude so they can formally announce Redick as their new coach, or the search is truly open again.
