JJ Redick will officially interview for the Los Angeles Lakers coaching position this weekend, and a successful performance is likely to propel him to the top of the franchise’s search, according to sources.
Redick, an NBA commentator who played in the league for 15 years, spoke with Lakers vice president and general manager Rob Pelinka at the Chicago draft combine last month for more than 90 minutes. According to reports, a trip to Los Angeles will delve much further into the position, with discussions with Pelinka and owner Jeanie Buss.
Pelinka and Redick have spoken on the phone in recent days, and Redick understands and accepts Pelinka’s extended pursuit of Connecticut coach Dan Hurley, which originally halted Redick’s candidacy, according to sources. The Lakers offered Hurley a six-year, $70 million deal, which he declined on Monday.
As New Orleans Pelicans assistant James Borrego’s candidacy gets pace in Cleveland, Redick will have an opportunity to present his case in an all-day meeting with Pelinka, Buss, and other top decision-makers in Los Angeles, according to sources.
According to reports, Pelinka is still looking for a teaching coach and staff that, like Hurley before them, will put an emphasis on developing young players like Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, and Max Christie, and who can come up with a unique way to showcase Anthony Davis on both sides of the court. Redick has a close friendship with Lakers star LeBron James, with whom he co-hosts a basketball podcast.
Redick is the main game commentator, presently covering the NBA Finals matchup between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks.
