The LA Lakers are back to square one. After Dan Hurley turned down the $70 million offer, JJ Redick again emerged as the front-runner for the coaching job. The team hasn’t made any progress since it dismissed Darvin Ham after the disappointing playoff exit. Apart from coaching job vacancy, the team also has to make several trade decisions and sort out the Bronny James situation. While Redick can potentially dictate the proceedings with his exclusivity, the latest report says otherwise.

Importantly, with LeBron James‘ future in the Lakers hanging on a thin thread, the team seemed to be taking a risk with Bronny’s draft pick. While it is considered ideal for the team to hire a coach before the draft, the latest LA Times report suggested that the people inside org don’t consider it as an “absolute necessity”. Moreover, the report also stated that the team could use the 17th pick, the only available pick in the first round, along with first-rounders in 2029, and 2031 for a trade.

The same report also revealed that JJ Redick, who is exclusively looking for the Lakers job, will have his former interview this weekend after the Finals Game 4. And, with the NBA Draft scheduled on June 26, the Lakers would have a coach by then if they finalize on Redick. While the coaching situation seemed to have partially headed toward a solution, gambling with the 17th pick may turn costly for the side.

Ever since Bronny James showcased his prowess at the Draft Combine, the young gun secured the attention of the recruiters. While it seemed like only the LA would go after the 19-year-old, several teams had sent invitations for workout sessions. And, as per Shams Charania, Bronny accepted the invitation from the Lakers and Phoenix Suns.

Additionally, for the Valley side, which suffered from a lack of guards last season, drafting a backup could be their major priority with their 22nd pick.

Additional threats for Rob Pelinka with his Bronny James gamble

On one hand, losing Bronny James to the Suns could hamper LeBron James’ future with the side. On the other hand, the Lakers’ intention to draft 7 ‘4 center Zack Eddey may also go down the drain. Until the last few days, several reports stated the team’s interest in drafting a backup center to support Anthony Davis in the 17th pick. If the team rolls its dice on the 17th pick, then it will lose its opportunity to get the big man as well.

Apart from that, the Purple & Gold side has also been eyeing to rope in an All-Star point guard. Trae Young and Donovan Mitchell came in as the front-runners of the lookout. Nevertheless, the team hasn’t made any official updates yet.

At the same time, visuals of Bronny James, working out at the Lakers facility ahead of the draft, also surfaced on the internet. While the LA Times report stated that the team would likely trade the 17th pick for a trade, the latest visuals from the facility immediately squashed it. Will the Lakers go after Bronny in the 17th pick? Let us know in the comments below.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow in what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, this video