According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, JJ Redick is set to interview for the head coaching job with the Los Angeles Lakers this weekend. Redick, a former NBA player and current ESPN broadcaster, has the potential to become the frontrunner for the position with a successful interview. Wojnarowski mentioned that Redick’s podcast “Mind the Game,” which he co-hosts with Lakers star LeBron James, did not air an episode this week due to Redick’s busy schedule covering the NBA Finals for ABC.
Having already spoken with Lakers VP and GM Rob Pelinka at the NBA Draft Combine in May, Redick has been on the team’s radar for some time. With the recent news that University of Connecticut head coach Dan Hurley declined a lucrative offer to remain with the Huskies, Redick may have an opportunity to move ahead in the coaching search. In addition to Redick, New Orleans Pelicans assistant coach James Borrego is also being considered for the Lakers job, but the Cleveland Cavaliers are also reportedly interested in him.
Pelinka is said to be seeking a coach who can mentor and develop the Lakers’ younger players, such as Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, while also maximizing the potential of veteran stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Redick will have the chance to make his case for why he is the right fit for the job in his upcoming meeting with Pelinka and Lakers owner Jeanie Buss this weekend.