There are a lot of names being thrown out for the Los Angeles Lakers head coaching job. Recently, the front-runner has been JJ Redick. The former elite sharpshooter has been running a podcast with LeBron James while also doing some media work. Big issues have surfaced about his capability to coaching despite never having been able to do that very job that he was applying to in the NBA. It could also turn off Anthony Davis who might prefer someone else, especially since James Borrego and Monty Williams are in the mix
No deal has been inked by the Lakers. So, everything is still up to speculation. While LeBron James seemingly already has his pick for the head coaching role, it might not necessarily be in line with what Anthony Davis wants. Apparently, the big man is not too keen on hiring JJ Redick. Instead, The Brow could be looking at trying to get James Borrego to be their next head honcho, per Marc Stein.
A big edge that James Borrego has over JJ Redick is coaching experience. He has been in the NBA for a while and absorbed a lot of knowledge from people who took him under his wing. Borrego started out as an assistant for the New Orleans Hornets and Orlando Magic. He stayed that way for roughly five seasons. His first taste of being a head coach came with the Magic. But, that ended in tragedy as they only notched 10 wins in a span of 30 games.
Gregg Popovich would then mentor him in the San Antonio Spurs system. As Pop’s assistant coach, he got to see how to manage a top-end Western Conference contender and the steps necessary to get them wins. So, that’s one big box he checks over JJ Redick in this coaching race. He would then make a move after this and finally get back to being a head coach.
From 2018 to 2022, Borrego was the head honcho of the Charlotte Hornets. There he got to develop a young Lamelo Ball and even gave him his first and only NBA Playoffs run. All of these surely paint out that he is capable and due for another head coaching post. Will the Lakers give him a shot?
Someone else in the Lakers HC mix?
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Another big name in the mix that might apease Anthony Davis more is Monty Williams. The former architect of that 2021 Phoenix Suns that made the finals just experienced his worst season ever. So, getting booted out of the organization despite a huge deal in the offseason might be too far-fetched.
Williams knows how to make different star players co-exist and usually holds their hands through the schemes that he employs. His veteran experience along with knowing the road to where the Lakers’ 18th banner should be is a huge help. But, it seems unlikely that he gets to be the head honcho of this Davis and LeBron James duo. He inked a six-year deal that is worth $78.5 million just last offseason.
The Lakers have a buffet of options when it comes to their head coaching hunt. Despite this, they should still be selective about who gets to lead the Purple and Gold to victory.