JJ Redick will continue his role as an ESPN color commentator during the NBA Finals, as the Los Angeles Lakers’ interest in him for their head coaching vacancy is reportedly lower than initially believed.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Thursday night that the Lakers have conducted only one second interview during their coaching search, and that it wasn’t with Redick, who now seems likely to remain in his role as a broadcaster.
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Wojnarowski also mentioned that several candidates were interviewed once, but did not specifically name Redick.
This comes despite Shams Charania of The Athletic reporting two days earlier that Redick was close to finalizing a deal with the Lakers.
Charania noted that Redick had an “extended” meeting with the team, although many are now calling into question the validity of these reports.
Dan Hurley emerges as a favorite candidate
It appears that the Lakers might have used Redick as a distraction to conceal their primary target, UConn head coach Dan Hurley.
Hurley is scheduled to meet with Lakers’ higher-ups on Friday and has immediately emerged as favorite for the coaching vacancy.
“In terms of Shams, that will be addressed once the season is over. I’ll just say that,” Redick declared.
“I don’t mean any job – I mean Shams. We’ll wait on that one.”
The Lakers’ coaching search has seen unexpected developments, shifting from potentially hiring a former player with no coaching experience to considering one of the top college coaches. Hurley is set to meet with Lakers’ president Rob Pelinka and owner Jeanie Buss on Friday.
Wojnarowski reported that both sides are “already discussing the contractual parameters of a potential deal that would be significant in length and salary.”
What are the implications for Redick?
If the Lakers secure Hurley, Redick’s chances of becoming a head coach will be significantly reduced.
The only remaining open position, barring any unexpected changes, is with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
With the rapid progress in discussions between Hurley and the Lakers, it is possible that the coaching vacancy could be filled by the time Redick appears on ESPN for Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday.
