Shams Charania shuts down reports of Lakers hiring JJ Redick as head coach: "There isn't an agreement"
After it was reported that UConn's Dan Hurley will remain at the collegiate level instead of becoming the LA Lakers head coach, JJ Redick's candidacy for that position has once again gained traction. In fact, some reports indicated that Redick is a lock for that position even though there haven't been any official reports.
However, The Athletic's Shams Charania shut down those reports while speaking with Pat McAfee on the 'Pat McAfee Show.' While Charania confirmed that Redick has indeed gone through his official interviews with the Lakers' front office, a deal has not yet been signed to make it official.
Here is what Charania said on the 'Pat McAfee Show.'
"There's not an agreement as far as I know for JJ Redick as of right now," Charania said. "We're speaking right now almost 1:45 p.m. Eastern Time. JJ Redick went into LA on Saturday and had in-person meetings, multiple hours with the Lakers brass. With Rob Pelinka the general manager, vice president of basketball operations, ownership as well. I'm told his meetings on Saturday were very impressive."
All signs are pointing to Redick as the frontrunner to become the next head coach for the LA-based franchise and if it happens, it will be his first time being an NBA head Sham.
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Shams Charania says the Lakers want to have their head coach position filled before June 26
The Lakers are likely all-in on building a championship-winning roster after the events of the 2024 NBA Finals wherein the Boston Celtics won their 18th championship in franchise history. That title win broke the tie between LA and Boston for most NBA titles.
LA could realistically have a chance at winning a title in 2025 to catch up with the Celtics but that begins with the Lakers front office making the right decisions now.
Aside from getting the right head coach, another potential turning point for them is the 2024 draft taking place on Jun. 26 and according to Shams Charania, they want to have their head coach by then.
Charania pointed out that looking for a coach while also thinking about how to draft is the last thing that this team wants.
This sentiment is understandable as it would be prudent for their next head coach to have a say on who to select with the 17th pick in the upcoming draft. After all, that coach will have the pressure of having to win immediately, whether it ends up being JJ Redick or somebody else.
Another candidate whose name has been thrown into the mix is former Charlotte Hornets head coach James Borrego. While Redick seems like the more likely candidate now, Borrego could shock the NBA by taking that position.