Despite Dan Hurley rumors, JJ Redick could still become Lakers head coach

On Thursday, Adrian Wojnarowski shocked the NBA world when he reported the Los Angeles Lakers were targeting UConn head coach Dan Hurley as Darvin Ham's replacement. Hurley has won back-to-back NCAA championships. He would be a steal for the Lakers, and could help instill a long-term program with the franchise.

However, Hurley joining the Lakers isn't a done deal. There's still a chance he could opt to remain with the Huskies. According to The Athletic's Jovan Buha, JJ Redick remains a "viable candidate" for the Lakers' head-coaching job should Hurley turn down the opportunity.

"Team and league sources cautioned that the coaching search remains far from settled...There is still a chance the 51-year-old will work out a new contract with Connecticut and remain college basketball’s top coach...Redick, considered the front-runner for weeks, remains a viable candidate, according to league sources."

Since Ham was released from his role, Redick has been linked with the Lakers job. The former NBA sharpshooter is viewed as a future coach in the league. Since retiring, he has interviewed for multiple jobs. He recently fell short in his attempt to become the new head coach of the Charlotte Hornets. 

Hurley will undoubtedly be the Lakers' first choice. He's a proven winner and has shown he can develop young talent. He can implement winning systems and is known to have a deep understanding of the game. Therefore, if the Lakers were forced to turn their attention to Redick, it would mark a complete 180 in the franchise's direction. Redick has no coaching experience. He is an unproven commodity.

Since retiring, Redick has become a successful media personality and podcaster. He turned down the opportunity to join Joe Mazzulla's Boston Celtics staff last summer. He would be a risky hire for the Lakers, especially when compared to Hurley.

Nevertheless, Rob Pelinka is smart to have a backup plan. The Lakers must fill their head-coaching void sooner rather than later. If Hurley decides to remain with UConn, it's likely the team will quickly pivot back to Redick. Otherwise, the former three-point specialist must continue waiting for his opportunity to lead an NBA team.