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[Saba Sports News] The Los Angeles Lakers have taken their time naming a new head coach after firing Darvin Ham, but a prominent NBA reporter believes the decision is already made.
During an appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show” Wednesday, Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report said he is “pretty positive” that JJ Redick will be the next head coach of the Lakers.
“I will be very surprised if their next head coach is anybody but JJ Redick. Everything that I’m hearing is JJ Redick,” Haynes said. “From what I know, he’s doing some background work, calling assistant coaching candidates. I’m pretty positive it’ll be JJ.”
Redick, 39, has been viewed as a leading candidate since the position became vacant. He has a close relationship with LeBron James, and the two recently launched their “Mind the Game” podcast together. However, LeBron has distanced himself from L.A.’s coaching search, insisting he is not pushing for Redick or any other candidate.
Redick does not have any coaching experience but played in the league for 14 seasons from 2006-2021. A recent report suggested the Lakers view Redick as a Pat Riley-like coaching prospect who can maximize the current core and lead the team into the future.
While at least one other candidate has reportedly impressed the Lakers during the interview process, Redick is clearly the favorite to land the job.