Lakers' dream head-coaching candidate is officially off the board

Lue was rumored to be the Los Angeles Lakers' preferred choice to replace Darvin Ham. With the championship-winning head coach now off the board, Rob Pelinka and the front office can focus on the other names on their shortlist. 

That means JJ Redick, Sam Cassell and James Borrego have all seen their chances of becoming the Lakers' next head coach increase. The lack of elite coaching talent currently available has forced the front office to explore its options. Redick is reportedly the favorite to land the job despite his lack of experience on the sidelines.

Whoever the Lakers choose to become their next head coach will face significant pressure. The Purple and Gold are expected to compete. Their aging and disjointed roster may not be conducive to the lofty goals the franchise will set out. 

For a first-time head coach such as Cassell or Redick, the job may be a poisoned chalice and could come with a legitimate risk for their future career.

Nevertheless, the Lakers are a storied franchise with a global fan base. It's hard to turn down the opportunity to become their head coach. Especially when you get the honor of coaching LeBron James, who is in the final few years of his career.

Still, with Lue off the board and Mike Budenholzer joining the Phoenix Suns, the Lakers' two best coaching options are off the board. It will be interesting to see how Pelinka pivots and what that means for the franchise in the coming months.