As one of the largest and most profitable professional sports franchises in the world, the Los Angeles Lakers typically spend a lot of time in the news. With a superstar like LeBron James on the roster, his time in the spotlight will only increase. But now, the Lakers are back in the spotlight for their search for a new head coach, with several Duke basketball legends reportedly involved in the search.
After Darvin Ham was fired days after Los Angeles lost the series to the Denver Nuggets in the NBA playoffs opener, news quickly began to emerge of another candidate being considered in the subsequent search. One of those names was JJ Redick, the Blue Devils' all-time leading scorer and former 15-year NBA veteran.
Reddick was initially named one of the top prospects along with Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue, but the relationship between the former Blue Devil sharpshooter and the Lakers has soured since initial reports. Now, things seem to be heating up again.
On Tuesday, The Athletic's Jovan Buha reported that he believes Redick is the current front-runner to win the job, saying, “Right now, JJ Redick is slightly ahead in the field. I believe that.”
The report was supported by Buha's colleague Shams Charania, who added that Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassel and former Hornets head coach James Borrego were also top choices.
Redick's connection to the Lakers would make sense, as the 39-year-old recently began co-hosting a podcast with LeBron James. James is expected to test free agency this summer, but is expected to very likely try again in Los Angeles.
In addition to Redick, another Blue Devil legend is involved in the coaching search, albeit in a much different way. Charania also reported Tuesday that the Lakers are consulting with former Duke basketball head coach Mike Krzyzewski about their coaching search.
Charania noted that Coach K served as an “unofficial consultant” to the team.
The Lakers' willingness to reach out to Coach K means Redick has a chance at the job, considering he played four seasons under the legendary coach in Durham and his No. 4 jersey was retired. There is a possibility that it will be a plus.
More news will likely be announced in the coming days and weeks. But for now, it appears the legendary Duke basketball sharpshooter may be closing in on his first head coaching job outside of his kids' rec league team.
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