Lakers News: After Dan Hurley Heartbreak, Another Top Candidate May Snub Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss

Amidst a turbulent NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers have faced numerous challenges. First, they grappled with the absence of their head coach, and now, with a solution so close they encounter another setback. Dan Hurley‘s recent rejection of their offer has been followed by reports suggesting they may lose another top choice, James Borrego, who appears to be exploring other opportunities.

According to ESPN insider Brain Windhorst, James Borrego, a top candidate, is reportedly leaning toward the Cleveland Cavaliers. He stated, ” So James Borrego, who they (the Lakers) interviewed about 10 days ago, he’s getting momentum in Cleveland. He’s expected to interview there early this week as a potential leading candidate developing with the Cavs.”

James Borrego currently assumes the role of an assistant coach with the New Orleans Pelicans and has previously been a head coach for the Charlotte Hornets. Known for his player development skills herein, Borrego had previously interviewed twice for the Lakers and the results were looking rather positive. “The franchise has been impressed with him during the process,” Shams Charania had reported. However, call it the Lakers’ sluggish coaching search, Borrego becomes yet another coach to potentially slip through the fingers.

In light of recent developments, the situation reflects the LA Lakers’ predicament perfectly. Their slow coaching search could be summed up with the saying, ‘In search of hold, we lost a diamond.’ While the Cavs have pursued coaches like Terry Stotts, David Adelman, Kenny Atkinson, and now Borrego, the Lakers remain stagnant.

There’s still no official confirmation from Borrego’s camp, but the Laker’s indecision could cost them dearly. Adding insult to injury, Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka are already facing fan criticism for missing their shot with the UConn coach.

Buss and Pelinka face the heat

The Lakers have fired three coaches in the past six years, with the most recent dismissal being Darvin Ham and his staff. Added on by Hurley’s rejection, fans are, thus, pointing the finger squarely at the organization’s leadership, believing the problem lies within the Lakers themselves, not with the coaches they hire.

Hurley seemingly turned down a 6-year $700 million contract to stay with the UConn to try his hand at a three-peat. If he succeeds, he will become the first since UCLA’s John Wooden’s 1967-73 to achieve the feat. Regardless of the reason, fans have directed their frustration towards both Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka and team owner Jeanie Buss.

On Twitter, some fans suggested former Golden State Warriors GM Bob Myers’ success stemmed from his strong operational skills. Others placed the blame squarely on Pelinka for his inability to secure a deal with Hurley. Still, others criticized the perceived ineptitude of the entire Lakers front office.

Anthony F. Irwin of Lakers Daily even questioned Pelinka’s continued presence. “I don’t know how Pelinka remains employed after this,” he wrote.

Consequently, with both top coaching candidates almost out of the picture, only JJ Redick remains on the Lakers’ reported shortlist. Lakers are suggested to look for a veteran coach to cater to LeBron James and Anthony Davis’ nearing retirement as they eye immediate championship but they are also reportedly looking for someone to sign long term. Would Redick’s role suit the franchise’s needs? Share your thoughts in the comments below!