Los Angeles Lakers Coaching Search Faces Massive Update

The Los Angeles Lakers are poised to initiate contact with potential head coaching candidates in the coming days, with an initial emphasis on sitting NBA assistants and former head coaches with whom they are less familiar.

ESPN reported that Lakers Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka has been compiling information on several head coaching candidates, including ESPN analyst JJ Redick. The initial wave of interview requests will prioritize candidates the organization has not met in previous searches or has less knowledge of.

Pelinka has stressed the importance of a “grinder” mentality in the next coach, ESPN reported. This characteristic is crucial in helping the team overcome challenges and succeed.

The initial list of candidates is expected to include assistant coaches Chris Quinn of the Miami Heat and James Borrego of the New Orleans Pelicans.

The search process is anticipated to unfold in stages, starting with this initial wave of interviews, followed by discussions with coaches with whom the Lakers have more history, and ultimately narrowing down the list to a final round of candidates.

The Lakers parted ways with Darvin Ham after two seasons earlier this month. Ham’s tenure saw a Western Conference finals appearance in his debut season and a first-round playoff exit this year.

The team seeks a new head coach to lead them back to success. With the search process underway, the Lakers are one step closer to finding their next head coach.