J.J. Redick appears to once again be the front-runner for the Lakers‘ head coaching job after Dan Hurley decided to remain at UConn, Marc Stein writes in his latest Substack column (subscription required). The ESPN broadcaster was widely considered to be the favorite before news of the team’s interest in Hurley became public last week.
Stein said one source told him on Friday, “You know who is getting the job,” while another pointed out that the Cavaliers‘ interest in James Borrego could leave Redick as L.A.’s only high-profile candidate. The Lakers are six weeks into their coaching search after firing Darvin Ham on May 3.
Stein also dismisses accusations that the Lakers and Hurley were somehow working together to help him get a better offer from UConn. Stein points out that the Lakers suffered embarrassment by losing out to a college team, and they created a more difficult situation for whomever they eventually hire because he’ll seem like a second choice at best.
Stein shares more inside information from around the league:
- Sources tell Stein that the Cavaliers are unlikely to trade Jarrett Allen if Donovan Mitchell agrees to an extension because Mitchell likes having him on the team. That means Allen and Evan Mobley, who’s also eligible for an extension this offseason, will probably remain together, even if it’s sometimes an awkward fit. Numerous insiders confirm to Stein that Borrego is viewed as the most likely candidate to replace J.B. Bickerstaff as head coach.
- The Mavericks have interest in drafting Bronny James, Stein hears, but he’ll likely be off the board by the time they pick at No. 58. After James had pre-draft workouts with the Lakers and Suns, his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, said sessions with other teams are unlikely, according to Stein.
- Monty Williams remaining head coach of the Pistons is “the likely outcome,” a source tells Stein. The source said Friday’s report that Fred Vinson will leave New Orleans to become an assistant coach in Detroit is a “clear signal” that Williams will keep his job. Vinson previously worked under Williams from 2011-15.
- Stein suggests Mario Hezonja could be back in the NBA next season after spending the last four years overseas. Hezonja was selected fifth by Orlando in the 2015 draft and spent five years in the league with the Magic, Knicks and Trail Blazers. He’ll be a free agent after playing for Real Madrid the past two seasons.
It is actually kind of crazy to think Lakers got turned down for a college team. They’re the f-ing Lakers! Yes, I know it’s Uconn and yes I know it’s not totally apples to apples…but still
Weakest NBA era ever. Mikan would kill these guys
After how the Laker players treated their last coach Ham by bad mouthing him and refusing to be coached why would a coach want to go there. Maybe once LeBron leaves the Laker job would look much better not being second guessed for your every move.
Has more to do with Hurley’s legacy than the Lakers. He wants to go for a third straight championship. I don’t blame him. The coaching jobs and money will be there waiting for him in the NBA.
Coaching the Lakers should be the legacy. My point is it isn’t anymore and that is crazy to think about.
Uconn would beat the Lakers.
We need you Mario to block LeBron at the buzzer and dunk on Giannis again
Cavs went from 3 solid young budding stars in Garland Mobley and Allen to a playoff loss then thought they’d go big for Spida and lost again. Which has now put them in this awful position.
Need a new head coach, do they extend Spida, if they do does that mean they trade Garland? Spida likes Allen so if you side with him is Mobley on the outer? What about SF and Okoro?
I guess I’m more traditional in the fact I like 2 guards with two different skill sets 2 forwards and a big. Which leads me to thinking that the two big system hasn’t worked. I think the Cavs have two ball dominant guards with skill sets which are too similar, two centres and lack anything in between. Just those 6’5-6’9 guys that play off ball, defend, are versatile and do the dirty work.
Tough decisions to be made …
Hezonja is not coming back…he is near 30. He does not provide enough vet leadership to take a spot.
Micic and Sasha just came over and flopped, though Mario has prior experience. I don’t see any team throwing a large amount of money at him.
Lakers have the best chance to trade for Garland?
They’ll have to gut the team to get him. Murray is a much better bargain, and his stats are just as good and a better defender.
JJ Reddick is their second option it appears. Jose Borrego would be a better head coach.