Report: 1 Lakers head coach candidate had impressive interview

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 are ramping up their search for a new head coach, and one candidate may be acquitting himself very well during the process.

Former Charlotte Hornets head coach James Borrego had his second interview with the Lakers on Wednesday, according to multiple reports. In a post on X, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times wrote that he heard Borrego was “impressive” in his sit-down with the organization.

Latest on the Lakers coaching search, Borrego interviewing (heard he was impressive) and possible assistant coach names that people have been talking about, some more likely than others. https://t.co/nmKf2UjoCk

— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) May 29, 2024

In his accompanying story, Woike wrote that Borrego may have another big advantage: star forward Anthony Davis thinks highly of Borrego. The two have never worked together, as Borrego left an assistant coaching position with the New Orleans Hornets just before they drafted Davis in 2012.

A lot of reports have pointed toward another name as the frontrunner for the Laker job, but it is clear the process is nowhere near finished. Borrego has also been talked about as a candidate since Darvin Ham was fired, as the Lakers reportedly think highly of his recent work with New Orleans.

Even if Redick is ultimately the choice, Borrego might be a name the Lakers target as a lead assistant.