Weeks after Darvin Ham was fired, the Los Angeles Lakers continued their search for a new head coach. Amongst a field of prospective candidates, including former HCs and current assistant coaches, the one name that continues to gain the most traction is former NBA player JJ Redick.

A few hours ago, ‘The Athletic’ senior writer and reporter Jovan Buha shared some updates on the head coach search on his show. He revealed that while the franchise still has some steps to fulfill in terms of due diligence, all signs point to the fact that they are preparing to announce the 39-year-old as the newest member of the Lakers roster. The only other person who has come close to being an equal competition to Redick’s reported candidacy is New Orleans Pelicans assistant coach James Borrego. While Redick is known to share a strong professional relationship with LeBron James, the Lakers’ lead scorer, Borrego is someone who shares the same bond with center Anthony Davis.

LeBron James, at 39 years of age, has shown no guarantee that he wishes to continue with the Lakers for the foreseeable. On the other hand, Anthony Davis signed a deal back in August that, along with an extension, ensures that he remains with the team until the 2027-28 season. This, along with how the two former head coaches have come and gone, is amongst the reasons why the podcaster feels that even if Redick gets the top job, the same should not be taken up as a long-term guarantee.

“The Lakers are viewing this hire as someone for the foreseeable future for years down the road” said Buha. “If they are really committing to him and as we’ve seen with Frank Vogel and Darvin Ham, even if you have success in year one… that does not necessarily guarantee you job security in this position”.

The Lakers management, including general manager Rob Pelinka, have reportedly been highly “infatuated” with Redick during their assessment of him. However, the influence that Anthony Davis will go on to hold after LeBron’s exit may end up bringing a change in the future.

Will LeBron James and Anthony Davis get along with JJ Redick?

JJ Redick is someone who has had zero coaching experience to his name. However, the biggest advantage that works in his favor is that he and LeBron James, who share the ‘Mind the Game’ podcast together, have shown that they can work with each other on the foundation of mutual respect. This was something that was reportedly lacking during the Darvin Ham era. However, if Redick becomes head coach, a big change in their relationship can be expected.

According to 55-year-old sports analyst Chris Broussard, not only is the HC candidate without any coaching experience, he has never even secured a championship ring in his 15 years as a player. According to him, Redick would find success with an alleged small-time team like the Charlotte Hornets. A team where more accomplished players than him could not challenge his authority.

“He’s a contemporary of LeBron and AD”, said Broussard. “I don’t think they about to give you that respect. He’s LeBron’s podcast partner, you think that’s going to be some authority figure?” He further discussed how other renowned head coaches, like Phil Jackson and Steve Kerr, started small before rising high, and that they did not “coach a bunch of dudes who used to take them to the whole dunk on them and talk trash.”

JJ Redick or James Borrego? Who will be the person who will lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a championship ring after a four-year hiatus? Fans are now closer than ever now of finding out the answers to these questions.

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.