The Lakers’ search for a new Head Coach is in full swing. And one name that has been at the forefront of the discussions is retired sharpshooter JJ Redick. While Redick doesn’t have any experience in coaching a professional basketball team, let alone an NBA team, he has been reportedly interviewed by Rob Pelinka for the potential job in LA. However, despite the interview and the countless rumors, NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski claimed that there might be multiple roadblocks in deeming JJ as the favorite, one factor being Redick not knowing the ownership.

Diving deep on ESPN’s NBA Today, Woj revealed that the Lakers have or are likely to interview a few potential candidates whom they are not too familiar with. The list includes Minnesota’s Micah Nori, Miami’s Chris Quinn, Pelicans’ James Borrego, and of course, JJ Redick. However, there are expectations that the Lakers will interview more candidates, possibly in the coming days. With that, Woj claimed, “There’s no obvious choice. There just isn’t.” Due to the unavailability of a star coach in the pool, it is completely up in the air who will land the Lakers job.

Yes, JJ Redick initially seemed to have leverage because of his high basketball IQ and the connection with LeBron James, but Woj believes JJ’s unfamiliarity with the Lakers’ GM might hurt his chances. “He and Rob Pelinka really don’t know each other very well.” Woj clarified the first interview was just an introductory session between both parties. If JJ or any other candidate is called for a second round, that is more likely to be a detailed discussion about the job. While everyone’s waiting to find out who will become the next Lakers’ HC, Woj said that Rob Pelinka and Co. are in no rush and this could take a while.

Will lack of experience hurt JJ Redick’s chances?

Apart from JJ not knowing Pelinka and the Lakers front office too well, his lack of coaching experience could backfire. In a team with LeBron, where every season seems to be win or bust, they might not be able to afford experiments. Especially not when other candidates in the pool are far more experienced than JJ Redick, working as an assistant and even head coach in the league.

Among the candidates that JJ interviewed with both Micah Nori and Chris Quinn are credible assistant coaches for the Wolves and Heat. And they are highly accomplished teams. Moreover, James Borrego, who is on the Pelicans coaching staff, was also the head coach of the Hornets for 4 years and did a decent job.

Meanwhile, the Lakers reportedly also have their eyes on Milwaukee legend Sam Cassell. Joe Mazzulla and his working together have helped the Celtics become title contenders this season.

So, in the pool of so many experienced coaches, it might be very hard for JJ Redick to stand out, let alone convince Buss and Pelinka that he is the right person. And with LeBron’s future in LA uncertain, the Lakers might not want to risk making a decision that might hurt them in the long run.

What are your thoughts?