LeBron James will not be involved in the Los Angeles Lakers’ search for a new head coach. The assumption is that the Lakers star would have some input — if not a major say — in the process. However, according to one report, that is not the case.
“LeBron James has made it clear that this is the organization’s decision,” said The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported on FanDuel TV’s “Run It Back.” “He has not had any conversations with the Lakers about JJ Redick, his podcast partner. He has not had any discussions with JJ about that position either.”
James’ agent, Rich Paul, told Charania that James and Redick doing a podcast together doesn’t mean James wants Redick as his head coach with the Lakers.
“I have been told that LeBron James is not involved in the Lakers’ head coaching search. James has made it clear that this is the organization’s decision. He has not had any discussions with the Lakers regarding JJ Redick.”@ShamsCharania on the #Lakers seek coaching pic.twitter.com/4YbscRYII7
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) May 20, 2024
James, who has a player option for the 2024/25 season, plans to play only two or three more seasons, according to Paul. For the Lakers, their next coach would ideally be in place after that time frame. That could leave Anthony Davis more invested in who the next coach will be. Davis has signed a contract for two more seasons, with a player option for the 2027-2028 season.
The other top candidates for the position are reportedly James Borrego and Sam Cassell. Borrego, currently an assistant with the New Orleans Hornets, has head coaching experience with the Orlando Magic (as interim) and Charlotte Hornets, and has some familiarity with Davis from his first stint as a Pelicans assistant from 2010-2012.
Cassell has not been a head coach, despite 16 years as an NBA assistant following his 15-year playing career. He is currently part of Joe Mazzulla’s staff with the Boston Celtics.
The idea that James would not be involved in choosing the Lakers’ next coach naturally raises skepticism. But as Charania notes, previous coaching hires and trades that haven’t materialized could indicate that James doesn’t have an overriding influence over general manager Rob Pelinka and the rest of the team’s front office.
