THE ANGELS.- The search for a new coach of the Los Angeles Lakers It has been public, seemingly chaotic and dominated by big-name coaches.
The Lakers will reportedly offer a massive contract to UConn coach Dan Hurley in the latest twist in the more than month-long search for a replacement for Darvin Ham, who was fired May 3 after two seasons.
The Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the postseason, but the team with 17 titles has filled the void of drama before the NBA Finals begin. Little by little, progress has been made in the search for a coach who can win another championship—and especially who can convince LeBron James to finish his career with the team.
According to a person with knowledge of the search, the Lakers strongly considered former player and current ESPN analyst JJ Redick, who also hosts a podcast with James; Hurley won consecutive collegiate titles with the Huskies; while James Borrego is a respected former Hornets coach and Gregg Popovich assistant who spent the last year with the Pelicans.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Lakers have not spoken publicly about the coaching search. But they have certainly spoken privately.
On Wednesday, The Athletic reported that Redick was the favorite despite having no experience. On Thursday the search took another turn when ESPN reported that the Lakers are targeting Hurley, who had not been mentioned before.
Summit stage:
The coaching search is a key point in his relationship with the NBA’s leading scorer.
James, 39, who just completed his 21st season playing at the highest level of anyone in history, has until June 29 to decide whether to exercise his $51.4 million option for next season.
James could take the deal or sign a new contract — or enter free agency.
The new coach will be the eighth since the departure of Phil Jackson in 2011 and the fourth since James joined the franchise as a free agent in 2018.
Source: AP
