The idea that LeBron James will be a driving force in choosing the Lakers‘ next head coach is inaccurate, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, who said during an appearance on FanDuel’s Run it Back show on Monday that the star forward has had no involvement in the process so far (Twitter video link).
“I’m told LeBron James is not involved in the Lakers’ head coaching search,” Charania said. “… (He) has made it clear this is the organization’s decision. He’s had no conversations with the Laker about J.J. Redick, his podcast partner. He’s had no conversations with J.J. about that position as well.
“I did speak to (James’ agent) Rich Paul this morning. He said, ‘LeBron James and J.J. Redick, they do a podcast together. That does not mean that he wants J.J. Redick as his head coach.’ He’s leaving it up to the organization.”
Previous reports have indicated that the Lakers will more heavily weigh Anthony Davis‘ future and input as they decide on a new head coach, since the expectation is that Davis’ time in Los Angeles will extend beyond that of James, who will turn 40 later this year.
Charania reiterated that point during his Run it Back segment, noting that Davis has “built a rapport” with James Borrego. While Charania cites Davis and Borrego overlapping during their stints with the Pelicans, it’s worth noting that Borrego left New Orleans for Orlando during the 2012 offseason, which is when Davis was drafted, so any overlap was very brief. Borrego returned to the Pelicans in 2023 as an assistant on Willie Green‘s staff.
Here’s more from around the Pacific:
- In a column for The Los Angeles Times, Bill Plaschke makes it clear he’s not a fan of the idea of the Lakers hiring Redick, writing that it would “not only be one of the oddest Lakers coaching hires in a long list of them…but it might also be the first talk-show driven head coaching hire in NBA history.”
- Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski, who was named to the All-Rookie first team on Monday, believes his teammate Trayce Jackson-Davis should have joined him in receiving All-Rookie recognition, writes Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area. Jackson-Davis narrowly missed earning a spot on the second team, finishing 11th among vote-getters, a single point behind Grizzlies forward GG Jackson. “Just to see from a guard’s perspective (Jackson-Davis’) impact on our games and how he helped us win games this year, I think maybe the voters should take winning into more of an account,” Podziemski said. “It sucks to see him not make it. I think he was well deserving of it.”
- Could Bradley Beal thrive in a point guard role the same way that Jrue Holiday did under new Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer in Milwaukee? Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic weighs that question, considering just how important it is for Phoenix to add a true point guard this offseason.
Could Bradley Beal thrive in a point guard role? Did i read that right? This, Duane Rankin, gets paid to write about sports, and this is what he puts out?
If these are the people in charge Arizona is in worse shape than I thought…
It’s part of ‘Murica… I don’t think you have been paying attention lol
He’s simply posing the question, not advocating for the change. I guess he could write about how the Beal trade was a mistake, but that would hardly be an original take. And he has to write about something.
Also, since when is a beat writer in charge of anything?
“Can human beings survive without oxygen?” Just posing the question! Don’t jump down my throat!
Lebron is going to have a big say in who is the next Lakers coach. Last 2 coaches had no say in Lebron minutes on the floor and was over ruled many times by Lebron.
Didn’t you read the above article? Lebron will have no input, Rich Paul will be leading the search on his behalf.
Lebron is going to see who they hire and then decide if he wants to stick around or go to whoever is dumb enough to draft Bronny.
LeBron IS the head coach of the Lakers. He has been for several years, duh
My favorite ideal job would be Lakers coach. Lakers expectation is always Championships.
I’ll take Lakers job at 8 years $80 million.
Trade Deadline
Mavs acquired Gafford, Washington and Derrick Jones at annual salary $30 million.
What did Lakers GM do?
The Lakers will take notice now that you’re putting your name out there. The opportunity of a coaching hire of your caliber doesn’t come around to often, especially when you’re so willing to let them lock you up for 8 seasons.
You seem like the perfect coach and GM for the Flint Tropics. You know little to nothing about basketball but you are very confident in your knowledge.
LOL go get it JJ. Twelve months max and get paid out. Going for the repeat in season tournament.
Could Bradley Beal thrive as an overpaid shooting guard sitting on the bench while Booker takes a zillion shots per game? Sure! Why not!
Does anyone believe much of what Shams reports these days? LeBron may not be actively involved in the process, but you can be damn sure he will have the final say.
Lol Sillivan is too busy trying to cash his giant novelty cheque