Lakers have already chosen next head coach?

The Los Angeles Lakers have been in no rush to name a new head coach after firing Darvin Ham, but one prominent NBA reporter believes the decision has already been made.

During an appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show” Wednesday, Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report said he is “pretty positive” that JJ Redick is going to be the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

“I will be very surprised if their next head coach is anybody but JJ Redick. Everything that I’m hearing is JJ Redick,” Haynes said. “From what I know he’s doing some background, calling some candidates — some assistant coaching candidates — who might be able to join his staff or might not be able to join his staff. I’m pretty positive it’ll be JJ.”

"I will be very surprised if their next Head Coach is anybody but JJ Redick. Everything that I'm hearing is JJ Redick. From what I know he's doing some background, calling some assistant coaching candidates who might be able to join his staff."

–@ChrisBHaynes on #Lakers next HC pic.twitter.com/XipwSlN6wo

— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) May 29, 2024

Redick has been viewed as a leading candidate for the Lakers job since it became vacant. The 39-year-old has a close relationship with LeBron James, and the two recently launched their “Mind the Game” podcast together. Though, LeBron has tried to distance himself from L.A.’s coaching search and insists he is not pushing Redick or any other candidate.

Redick does not have any coaching experience, but he played in the league for 14 seasons from 2006-2021. One recent report claimed the Lakers consider Redick a Pat Riley-like coaching prospect who can potentially get the most from the current core while also leading the team into the future.

At least one other candidate has reportedly impressed the Lakers during the interview process, but Redick is clearly the favorite to land the job.

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