Lakers Rumors: JJ Redick to Formally Interview for HC Job After Dan Hurley Rejection

Former NBA guard JJ Redick is reportedly set for a formal interview for the Los Angeles Lakers' vacant head coaching position.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the interview will take place this weekend, and Redick is expected to move to the "forefront of the franchise's search" if he performs well.

Per Wojnarowski, the Lakers made a strong push to hire Dan Hurley as head coach, offering him a six-year, $70 million contract, but Hurley turned it down and announced Monday that he is returning next season as the head men's basketball coach at UConn.

Prior to the Lakers' pursuit of Hurley becoming publicly known, Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported that L.A. was "zeroing in" on Redick as the "front-runner" for head coach.

Although Redick has no previous coaching experience, he is a highly respected former NBA player who spent 15 years in the league with the Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks.

Perhaps just as importantly, Redick co-hosts the Mind the Game Pod with Lakers superstar LeBron James, and that pre-existing relationship with the Lakers' top player could give him a leg up on other candidates.

While Redick may be the leader in the clubhouse, he is not the only candidate the Lakers have spoken with thus far.

Wojnarowski reported last month that the Lakers received permission to interview former Charlotte Hornets head coach and current Pelicans assistant James Borrego, Boston Celtics assistant Sam Cassell, Denver Nuggets assistant David Adelman and Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori.

Borrego was viewed as perhaps Redick's chief competition for the Lakers' job, but Wojnarowski reported Thursday that Borrego is gaining "traction" as a candidate for the Cleveland Cavaliers' head coaching vacancy.

The Lakers fired Darvin Ham after two seasons on the job. He led L.A. to the playoffs twice, including a trip to the Western Conference Finals in 2023, but the decision was made to move on after the Lakers lost to the Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs this season.

Hiring the right coach this time around is of the utmost importance since James will turn 40 during the 2024-25 season, meaning the franchise's championship window may not be open for much longer.

Wojnarowski noted that Redick will have an "all-day session" with ownerJeanie Buss, general manager Rob Pelinka and other Lakers decision-makers, so making a strong impression could allow him to solidify himself as the the team's next head coach.