Report: Lakers to interview coaching candidate this weekend

The Lakers, still recovering from Dan Hurley’s decision to stay at UConn, have turned back to JJ Redick in their search for a head coach.

They will formally interview Redick for the position this weekend. If it goes well, Redick is expected to become the front-runner to replace Darvin Ham, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports.

Prior to their courtship of Hurley, in which they offered him a six-year deal, the Lakers seemed to be homing in on Redick, who has been serving as a color commentator for ABC and ESPN during the Finals.

Redick spoke with Lakers GM Rob Pelinka for approximately 90 minutes at the Chicago draft combine in May. They have also been in contact in recent days, with Pelinka explaining to Redick why the franchise chose to pursue Hurley.

Pelinka and owner Jeanie Buss, as well as other front office personnel, will now hold a lengthy meeting with Redick to discuss the position in greater detail.

Several reports in recent weeks had pegged the longtime NBA guard as their top choice despite his lack of coaching experience. Redick also hosts a podcast with LeBron James, who must decide whether to opt in to the final year of his contract or become a free agent.

The only other candidate who has been prominently mentioned is Pelicans assistant James Borrego, who interviewed for the Cavaliers’ head coaching job on Tuesday.

One of the reasons why the Lakers were enamored with Hurley was an increased focus on player development. Pelinka still views that as a priority for the next coaching staff. The GM is also seeking an innovative coach who can design schemes to maximize Anthony Davis at both ends of the floor.