JJ Redick's flirtation with Lakers job reportedly will resume

The Los Angeles Lakers and JJ Redick continue to flirt with each other. 

Rob Pelinka is looking for a new head coach. He reportedly views Redick as a leading candidate for the role. However, the former NBA sharpshooter could suffer from a bruised ego after the franchise publicly shifted gears in its failed pursuit of Dan Hurley. 

The Lakers, though, will have a chance to smooth things over with Redick. According to The Athletic's Shams Charania and Jovan Buha, the two sides are expected to meet over the weekend as Redick continues the interview process.

"The Lakers’ plan of having a coach in place by the June 26 NBA Draft — and ideally sooner — remains unchanged, according to team and league sources," Charania and Buha reported. "As The Athletic previously reported, the Lakers are high on Redick’s potential and view the 15-year NBA veteran as a Pat Riley-like coaching prospect, according to league sources. Redick checks many of the boxes on the Lakers’ extensive checklist for their next coach."

At this point, the Lakers know what they're getting with Redick. They know he doesn't bring any coaching experience to the table. And they know his friendship with LeBron James is strong. As such, any future meetings will likely be about Redick's vision for the future and whether it aligns with the front office.

With Hurley off the table and James Borrego rumored to be a leading candidate for the Cleveland Cavaliers role, Redick is likely the Lakers' top choice. They will undoubtedly understand the risk they're taking. They must allow the first-team head coach the opportunity to learn on the fly and understand if he gets off to a slow start. 

The pressure of coaching the Lakers is always high. The expectation is to win a championship, regardless of the roster construction or issues behind the scenes. Redick must feel confident he can shoulder that pressure before accepting the job. 

Perhaps that's why the Lakers continue to drag their heels. They must be certain he can handle the rigors of leading the most popular franchise in the NBA. Otherwise, it's better to continue looking elsewhere. 

If Redick meets with Los Angeles this weekend but no announcement is made earlier next week, he should take that as a red flag. With each passing meeting, the Lakers show they're uneasy about potentially putting Redick in the hot seat. However, the lack of alternatives means he will likely be offered the role sooner or later.