Tag: James Borrego

JJ Redick, James Borrego could be coaching candidates for the Pistons

The Lakers may be running out of time to hire one of their preferred head coaching candidates.

It has now been about a month and a half after the Los Angeles Lakers fired Darvin Ham, who had been their head coach for the last two seasons. But despite many rumors that JJ Redick has been their top candidate for a while, they still haven’t hired a new head coach.

Redick had a formal interview with the Lakers over the weekend, and James Borrego, a member of the New Orleans Pelicans’ coaching staff, also had an in-person interview with the team.

If the Lakers don’t make a decision soon, both Redick and Borrego could be off the board. Reportedly, both are also candidates for the newly opened Detroit Pistons head coaching job.

Via Yahoo Sports:

“James Borrego could be a name to watch, league sources told Yahoo Sports, as well as ESPN analyst JJ Redick,” wrote Vincent Goodwill. “Redick is currently a prime candidate for the Lakers job, so it isn’t known how much traction Detroit could actually gain.”

The Pistons fired Monty Williams on Wednesday after he had been their head coach for just one season.

Los Angeles had interviewed him for its head coaching gig in 2019 after letting go of Luke Walton, but he instead went on to coach the Phoenix Suns until last season.

After Dan Hurley says no, James Borrego remains a candidate for the Lakers

The Lakers are forced to regroup after Dan Hurley rejected their head coaching offer, and James Borrego is back in the picture.

Over the weekend, Los Angeles Lakers fans had a tinge of excitement and anticipation as Dan Hurley, one of college basketball’s most successful and decorated head coaches, considered the offer the team made to him.

On Monday, it became official: Hurley said no to the Lakers.

Now what?

The Lakers are merely back where they were prior to when they first reached out to him. JJ Redick, a former NBA sharpshooter and LeBron James’ co-host on the “Mind the Game” podcast, had reportedly been the frontrunner to win their head coaching job until Hurley entered the picture.

According to ESPN, Redick remains a candidate, as does New Orleans Pelicans associate head coach James Borrego.

Via ESPN:

“After a dogged pursuit of Hurley over the past weeks, the Lakers will regroup and resume bringing in candidates for interviews with hope of hiring a coach by the NBA draft later this month, sources told Wojnarowski.

“New Orleans Pelicans assistant James Borrego is expected to remain among Los Angeles’ candidates, and the Lakers could conduct their first formal interview with JJ Redick, who also has been linked to the job.”

Borrego had previously served as the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets for four seasons. He also reportedly has a relationship with Anthony Davis that dates back to his first stint as an assistant with New Orleans.

Report: Anthony Davis probably prefers James Borrego as head coach

LeBron James may want JJ Redick to be the Lakers’ next head coach, but Anthony Davis may not feel the same way.

As the early days of the Los Angeles Lakers’ offseason go by, there seems to be an increasing chance that they will end up hiring JJ Redick as their next head coach. Several reports from media insiders have indicated that Redick, at the very least, is a strong frontrunner to land the job.

While Redick seems to possess plenty of basketball knowledge, he has virtually no experience as either a head coach or an assistant. That, along with the fact that he is LeBron James’ co-host on the “Mind the Game” podcast, has caused some to be skeptical about his potential hiring.

Another man the Lakers have interviewed is New Orleans Pelicans associate head coach James Borrego, who was the Charlotte Hornets’ head coach for four seasons. According to Marc Stein, Anthony Davis may prefer Borrego over Redick as his next head coach.

Via Marc Stein Sunstack:

“It has been suggested in some corners of the league that Lakers star big man Anthony Davis probably prefers for James Borrego to get the job over Redick. Not only has Borrego been a head coach twice already in Orlando and Charlotte compared to Redick’s lack of head coaching experience, but he and Davis overlapped briefly during Borrego’s first stint with the Pelicans after Davis was drafted No. 1 overall in June 2012.”

If Redick does get hired to be the Lakers’ head coach, Borrego could end up being one of his assistants. Borrego, along with Rajon Rondo, Jared Dudley, Scott Brooks and Greg St. Jean, have been named as potential assistants for Los Angeles.

Shams: Lakers are zeroing in on JJ Redick as frontrunner to be head coach

Are the Lakers closing in on hiring JJ Redick as their next head coach?

For the last few weeks, there has been lots of noise about JJ Redick being the favorite to become the Los Angeles Lakers’ next head coach. He seems to have sharp instincts for the game of basketball, but he has never been a head coach or even an assistant coach at either the NBA or college level.

Multiple reports have indicated that Redick is the favorite to land the job and that his hiring could even be inevitable. Now, insider Shams Charania has given a somewhat more substantial account of how close he is to being hired.

Via The Athletic:

“The Los Angeles Lakers are zeroing in on JJ Redick as the front-runner to be the franchise’s next head coach, league and media industry sources told The Athletic,” wrote Charania.

“No final decision has been made yet, and the Lakers still have steps remaining in their head-coaching search process, league sources said. But the indications are strong that Redick is their leading choice at this stage.”

Charania did add that New Orleans Pelicans associate head coach James Borrego has had two interviews with the Lakers and that they have been impressed with him.

However, the franchise seems to strongly believe Redick is the best candidate it has right now.

“The Lakers have been seeking a coach who has the potential and staying power to be their head man for now and the long-term, as someone who will command the locker room and hold players accountable, as well as tirelessly gameplan and provide a level of structure and organization, according to those sources. It’s believed the franchise views Redick as the candidate who can check those boxes, those sources said.

“Sources have described Lakers officials as “infatuated” with Redick and his potential as a coach.”

Since Redick is currently an analyst with ESPN, most expect an announcement about his hiring to come after the end of the NBA Finals — if he is indeed the Lakers’ choice.

James Borrego scheduled to have in-person interview with Lakers

New Orleans Pelicans associate head coach James Borrego is apparently still a candidate for the Lakers’ head coaching job.

The Los Angeles Lakers began interviewing candidates for their vacant head coaching job last week. Three of the men they have reportedly interviewed so far are former NBA sharpshooter JJ Redick, longtime assistant coach Sam Cassell and New Orleans Pelicans associate head coach James Borrego.

Borrego previously spent four seasons as the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets. While he has interviewed for L.A.’s head coaching gig, he has also been rumored to be a candidate to be one of its assistant coaches if Redick becomes head coach, something many feel will happen.

Dan Woike reported that Borrego was set to attend another interview with the Lakers on Wednesday.

Via Los Angeles Times:

“New Orleans assistant coach James Borrego is scheduled for in-person meetings Wednesday at the Lakers’ practice facility related to the team’s head coaching vacancy, according to multiple people familiar with the plans but unauthorized to speak publicly,” Woike wrote.

While Redick seems to be the favorite to be L.A.’s next head coach, insider Anthony Irwin recently reported that the team will “still go through the interview process with all their candidates with an open mind.”

Lakers have three targets for JJ Redick’s potential coaching staff

JJ Redick is the favorite to become the Lakers’ next head coach, and his staff may be starting to take shape.

For a little while, it has been rumored that JJ Redick is the favorite to land the Los Angeles Lakers’ open head coaching job. It is a polarizing prospect.  Redick has a sharp mind for the strategic breakdown of basketball, but he has no coaching experience.

In addition, his relationship with LeBron James as his co-host on the “Mind the Game” podcast has led some to believe he wouldn’t hold the superstar accountable.

Yet it is gradually looking more and more like Redick could be the Lakers’ next head coach.

If that happens, James Borrego, Sam Cassell and Jared Dudley would be candidates for his staff (h/t Lakers Daily).

Via Marc Stein Substack:

“League sources say fellow Lakers search candidates Sam Cassell (Boston) and James Borrego (New Orleans) would be prime targets for Redick’s staff as well as an expected run at trying to bring Mavericks assistant coach Jared Dudley back to Lakerland,” Stein wrote. “As a Lakers player for the final two seasons of his career in 2019-20 and 2020-21, Dudley had strong relationships with both LeBron James and Anthony Davis.”

Although Dudley barely played for the Lakers during the 2019-20 season when they won the NBA championship, his veteran leadership, plus his ability and willingness to hold teammates accountable, was invaluable.

Borrego and Cassell happen to be the other two head coaching candidates Los Angeles has interviewed so far other than Redick.

If the team does hire Redick, it may not become official until late June. That is because Redick is a member of ESPN’s NBA broadcast crew, which means the Lakers may want to respect his obligations until the end of the NBA Finals.

The qualities the Lakers are looking for in their next head coach

What type of qualities do the Lakers want in their next head coach?

The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly begun official interviews with candidates for their open head coaching job. They have met with James Borrego, an associate head coach with the New Orleans Pelicans, Boston Celtics assistant Sam Cassell and former NBA sharpshooter JJ Redick.

Some have disliked the idea of Redick being a candidate. He has virtually no coaching experience, and as LeBron James’ co-host on the “Mind the Game” podcast, there is plenty of skepticism he would actually coach the superstar.

According to Jovan Buha and Shams Charania of The Athletic, Los Angeles is taking its time with its coaching search, and it is looking for certain qualities.

Via The Athletic:

“The Lakers are taking a methodical approach with their process and are seeking a coach who will command the locker room and hold players accountable, as well as tirelessly game plan and provide a level of structure and organization, according to multiple league and team sources.”

Redick is reportedly the Lakers’ preferred candidate according to at least one report, but it looks like they will give the other applicants a fair shake.

This is certainly something that shouldn’t be rushed, as it will have a major impact on the results they get on the court for at least the next few years.

Lakers have started to interview head coaching candidates

The Lakers’ search for their next head coach is picking up, as interviews have already taken place.

The Los Angeles Lakers fired Darvin Ham on May 3 after he had been their head coach for two seasons, and their search for a new head coach has gradually picked up in recent days.

Last week, they received permission to interview several candidates who are assistant coaches with other teams. Those candidates include James Borrego, Sam Cassell, David Adelman and Micah Nori.

According to a report in The Athletic on Tuesday, Los Angeles has completed interviews with Borrego and Cassell, as well as former NBA sharpshooter JJ Redick.

Via The Athletic:

“The Los Angeles Lakers have begun interviewing candidates for their next coach, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly on the matter,” wrote Jovan Buha and Shams Charania.

“The Lakers have held formal meetings with JJ Redick, New Orleans Pelicans associate head coach James Borrego and Boston Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell over the past several days, according to those sources.”

The team will also interview a few other assistants soon.

“Team officials plan to meet with Denver Nuggets assistant coach David Adelman, Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori and Miami Heat assistant Chris Quinn as they do their due diligence on the candidate pool.”

Borrego is an interesting assistant. He has an existing relationship with Anthony Davis forged when Borrego was an assistant coach with the New Orleans Pelicans.

“I think when you’re the Lakers, you have to look into the future,” said Charania. “Anthony Davis is someone that’s gonna outlast likely LeBron James as a Laker, he’s 31 years old in the prime of his career, and how do you make a hire that potentially does fit AD better, involving him in the coaching search process? And he has built a rapport with James Borrego, they overlapped a little bit in New Orleans.”

Meanwhile, Redick is the one Lakers candidate who has everyone talking. While he has a sharp mind for the game of basketball, he has no coaching experience of any kind at either the pro or college level.

The perception, whether it is true or false, is he’s a leading candidate because of his friendship with James. The two co-host the “Mind the Game” podcast, and Redick is also a member of ESPN’s NBA broadcast crew.

Lakers have received permission to interview several coaching candidates

The Lakers’ head coaching search is moving into its next phase.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ search for their next head coach is starting to ramp up. It has been nearly two weeks since they dismissed Darvin Ham, who had been their head coach for the last two seasons, as well as his entire staff. They seem to have a sizable list of candidates.

Many of the men on that list are assistant coaches with other teams, a few of which are alive in the NBA playoffs. With the draft combine taking place in Chicago, Los Angeles has had the opportunity to ask for permission to interview candidates on their list.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, it has received permission to interview several candidates: James Borrego, David Adelman, Sam Cassell, Micah Nori and Chris Quinn.

Of the five aforementioned men, only Borrego has any NBA head coaching experience. He was at the helm of the Charlotte Hornets for four seasons before getting fired in 2022.

Another leading candidate for the Lakers’ head coaching job is former sharpshooter JJ Redick, who has no coaching experience of any kind. He is LeBron James’ co-host on the “Mind the Game” podcast.

Lakers are about to start talking to head coaching candidates

The Lakers search for their next head coach is about to enter its first real stage.

It has been more than a week since the Los Angeles Lakers fired Darvin Ham after he spent the last two seasons as their head coach. While they’re expected to take their time in evaluating who should be their next head coach, they won’t be wasting time in getting started.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported over the weekend that their coaching search will start in earnest at the draft combine, which began in Chicago on Sunday.

It looks like L.A.’s initial interviews will take place soon, and they will start by talking to men who are currently assistant coaches with other teams.

Via ESPN:

“The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to start contacting coaching candidates in the coming days, with an initial concentration on sitting assistants and ex-head coaches with whom they have less familiarity, sources told ESPN on Monday,” wrote Adrian Wojnarowski and Dave McMenamin.

“Lakers VP of Basketball Operations and general manager Rob Pelinka has been gathering information on a number of head-coaching candidates, including ESPN analyst JJ Redick, sources said. The initial wave of requests for interview permission will be with those the organization hasn’t met with in previous searches, or simply knows less than other candidates.

“The initial interview list is expected to include assistant candidates such as Miami’s Chris Quinn and New Orleans’ James Borrego, sources said.

“The search is expected to proceed in stages with this first wave, then a period of talking to coaches with whom the Lakers have more history, followed by a whittling of the list to a final round of candidates, sources said.”

The Lakers’ other head coaching candidates reportedly include Kenny Atkinson, who was the Brooklyn Nets’ head coach several years ago, current assistants David Adelman and Micah Nori and JJ Redick, who has no real head coaching experience and co-hosts the “Mind the Game” podcast with LeBron James.