Lakers Will Conduct Head Coaching Interviews For Kenny Atkinson, JJ Redick, David Adelman And James Borrego

Kenny Atkinson, the former head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, has garnered attention for his player development skills and strategic acumen. JJ Redick, a seasoned veteran of the NBA, brings a deep understanding of the game and a fresh perspective from his playing career.

David Adelman, currently an assistant coach with the Denver Nuggets, comes from a coaching lineage with his father, longtime head coach Rick Adelman. His insight and expertise could prove invaluable to the Lakers' coaching staff.

James Borrego, the associate head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans, boasts a wealth of experience with successful organizations like the San Antonio Spurs and the Orlando Magic. His tenure as the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets showcased his ability to lead a team and implement a winning culture.

In addition to the candidates mentioned, the Lakers are also expected to pursue Tyronn Lue for the head coaching position, should he become available. However, it appears unlikely that Lue will be on the market, as he has expressed a desire to remain with the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Clippers have shown no inclination to let him go.

The Lakers' approach to this hiring process reflects their commitment to stability and long-term success. By casting a wide net and considering a mix of seasoned veterans and up-and-coming talents, they are positioning themselves for sustained excellence on the court.

As the search unfolds, the Lakers are mindful of past missteps and are determined to learn from them. The decision to appoint a new head coach is not taken lightly, as it will play a crucial role in shaping the team's future trajectory and restoring its championship pedigree.

Ultimately, the Lakers recognize the importance of finding the right leader to guide the team through its next chapter. With a deliberate and thoughtful approach, they are poised to make a selection that aligns with their vision for success and sets the stage for a bright future.

Lakers Insider Thinks JJ Redick Is The Next Lakers Head Coach 

Johan Buva's guess about JJ Redick becoming the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers has stirred considerable interest and debate among NBA fans and insiders alike. Buva's analysis presents compelling arguments in favor of Redick's candidacy, highlighting his basketball acumen, temperament, and potential synergy with the Lakers' roster, particularly LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

"If I had to guess right now who I think will be the next Lakers coach, I think it's going to be JJ Redick... I have often compared JJ to during this process has been Steve Kerr. I see a lot of similarities between JJ and Steve Kerr and it's not just because they're both white Shooters. I think there's more to it." 

"I think there's the temperament both guys are witty charming and smart and have chill laid-back personalities but they also have this fiery competitive side, where that allows Kerr to command a locker room and get guys to buy in."

"He'll have his tantrums on the sidelines, his objections, his technicals, he'll lay into guys when he really needs to but he's so selective with it that when he does it carries weight.

"I think that's how JJ would be, he's talked about getting thrown out at his 10-year-old's games and you see that fiery side to him as he says on his podcast he's got some fire to him and that's something that I think would bode well with holding LeBron and AD accountable. I think he would hold the locker room accountable."

"I think you've seen on the 'Mind The Game' podcast with LeBron that they see eye to eye on a lot of things. I think the timing of all that was very interesting with them starting the podcast when they did so. I think given the ties to LeBron and given that he is one of the more promising coaching candidates, I think JJ is a real candidate and if I had to pick right now, I would lean toward JJ." (15:26)

Buva suggests that Redick shares similarities with Steve Kerr, not merely because of their shared demographic traits, but also due to their leadership qualities and competitive spirits. 

Both possess a blend of wit, charm, and intelligence, coupled with a laid-back demeanor punctuated by moments of intensity and assertiveness. Buva envisions Redick's fiery yet selective approach to motivation and discipline resonating well with the Lakers' star players, thereby fostering accountability and cohesion within the team.

Furthermore, Buva underscores Redick's understanding of the game, evident in his insightful analyses on various platforms, including the 'Mind The Game' podcast featuring LeBron James. The rapport between Redick and James, coupled with their shared basketball philosophy, hints at a potentially seamless transition if Redick were to assume coaching responsibilities for the Lakers.

While Buva's prediction may raise eyebrows given Redick's lack of coaching experience, it nevertheless reflects the evolving landscape of NBA coaching hires, which increasingly prioritize personal qualities, strategic acumen, and player rapport over traditional coaching pedigrees. 

Redick's transition from player to coach could mirror Kerr's successful trajectory, leveraging his extensive playing career and basketball IQ to excel in a coaching role. Redick recently articulated his aspirations to become an NBA head coach, underscoring his deep understanding of the game and his desire to make a meaningful impact beyond his playing career.

However, it's important to acknowledge that Buva's speculation remains speculative, and the Lakers' decision-making process may involve multiple factors beyond Buva's analysis. 

Part of LeBron's potential decision to play only two more seasons, the Lakers' potentially using their second-round pick to draft Bronny James, and the Lakers' reported interest in trading their draft pick adds another layer of complexity to the situation.

Ultimately, the Lakers will weigh various candidates' credentials, including coaching experience, leadership qualities, and compatibility with the team's vision and culture, before making a final decision.

As the Lakers embark on their coaching search, the prospect of JJ Redick assuming the helm adds an intriguing dimension to the team's future trajectory. Whether or not Redick ultimately lands the head coaching role, Buva's insights offer valuable perspectives on the evolving nature of NBA coaching hires and the potential for unconventional candidates to make significant impacts on the league's landscape.