The 2024 NBA offseason is a major one for the Los Angeles Lakers. They are going to be on the hunt for upgrades to their roster and have to work something out with LeBron James, who is widely expected to decline his option and become a free agent.
But, before the player personnel moves get made, the Los Angeles Lakers have to find a new head coach. Days after their run in the 2024 NBA Playoffs came to an end, head coach Darvin Ham was relieved of his duties.
Ham certainly had his shortcomings as a head coach, as some of his rotations and decision-making left a lot to be desired. But, he did lead the team to the playoffs both seasons he was head coach and had a winning record in the playoffs against everyone other than the Denver Nuggets.
Alas, that wasn’t enough for him to have a third season as head coach, as the Los Angeles Lakers opted to go in a different direction. When he was fired, some names immediately emerged as options, such as Tyronn Lue and Jason Kidd.
However, both of them already have jobs. Lue is head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers, while Kidd leads the Dallas Mavericks. With neither of them as a feasible option, and other candidates such as Mike Budenholzer already off the board, the Lakers have narrowed their candidate list down.
According to Shams Charania, three people have emerged as legitimate candidates for the Lakers. He revealed that Los Angeles is looking at JJ Redick, James Borrego and Sam Cassell.
“I’m told JJ Redick, James Borrego, and Sam Cassell, have emerged as the leading head coaching targets for the Lakers, they’re going to begin their formal process this week,” Charania said during a segment on Run It Back on FanDuel TV.
Redick has no prior coaching experience in the NBA and would be an unprecedented hire. Boreggo has head coaching experience, as he spent three seasons with the Charlotte Hornets. He was fired after a 43-win campaign and improving the team’s win total by 10 over each previous season.
Cassell has been a well-respected assistant coach for years and someone many people thought would have had a head coaching opportunity by now. He has spent time with the Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics.
Do you want the latest news, updates, and rumors surrounding all sports? Click here. Make sure to check out our sister sites as well: NFL Analysis Network, NBA Analysis Network, Packers Coverage.
