In light of Darvin Ham’s exit weeks ago, everyone’s been continuously speculating about the Lakers‘ next head coach. As it turns out, they are not the only franchise searching for one. J.B. Bickerstaff’s exit is also pushing the Cavs to make a well-timed decision to get ample practice time in the offseason. Several reports have put out 3-4 potential candidates that could be a viable replacement. Each report carries such information, however, one thing is common: JJ Redick is not on any of them!

A few hours ago, Forbes Sports reporter Evan Sidery highlighted that Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson, and Pelicans assistant coach James Borrego, are being considered as J.B. Bickerstaff’s replacements. Sidery further clarified that Cleveland plans to name a head coach before that can offer Donovan Mitchell a much-awaited extension. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski also provided an update. He revealed that the franchise recently sought permission from Minnesota to speak to Micah Nori for the main role. The jaw-dropping fact is that all three of the above candidates were also being considered by Rob Pelinka and Co.

However, none of them were gaining as much traction amongst fans as JJ Redick. The former player being out of the Cavs’ consideration can mean two things: either he may not be what the team is looking for in an HC, or the Lakers are looking to keep the potential pick just for themselves. Ever since speculation arose that JJ Redick can occupy the top spot, his potential candidacy has been received with a sort of mixed opinion. For one thing, unlike the other candidates, he has zero coaching experience to his name.

Along with his 15 years of experience as an NBA player, he has also served as an analyst post-retirement. He also shares a podcast with LeBron James. Not only does the show highlight their professional bond, which may come in handy, but it also showcases the deep basketball IQ of Redick and the knowledge he possesses. His popularity and the fact that he is someone who LeBron James can work alongside with gives his potential candidacy a major boost.

Are the Lakers biding their time and waiting for JJ Redick while interviewing other candidates?

Throughout this whole process, fans have been waiting in anticipation. However, according to two podcasters, there may be a good reason why the franchise is choosing to close things up quickly. Lakers Insider Andrew Irvin on Jovan Buha’s podcast revealed that JJ was turning out to be the obvious choice to be Darvin Ham’s replacement. However, Redick still has an obligation to serve as an ESPN analyst, especially since the upcoming days will be focused on the NBA Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics.

“Essentially, what I’ve kind of heard is that the Lakers are basically taking this opportunity, while they wait for Redick to fulfil his contractual obligations to ESPN, they’re using this opportunity to do more digging,” said Irvin. The insider highlighted that the interviews currently being conducted may just be to determine who joins Redick’s staff as assistant coaches. At the same time, it might be also to check whether James Borrego, another prominent candidate, can be taken in instead of Redick.

The multiyear extension that JJ Redick signed with ESPN back in 2022 may be coming to an end soon. It remains to be seen whether he will choose to continue with the network or be a part of one of the most popular franchises in the league.

If you wish to know more about the latest happenings in the world of the NBA, be sure to check out what Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, had to say about the marketing genius.