The Los Angeles Lakers’ inability to land UConn’s Dan Hurley has complicated their search for a new head coach to replace Darvin Ham.
Los Angeles made an attractive offer to Hurley over the weekend. Though, it seems as if he was using the team as leverage to get a better contract from the Huskies.
As the drawn-out process continues to play out, several candidates have been bandied about. That includes media personality and former NBA player JJ Redick.
We’re now hearing a bit more as general manager Rob Pelinka and Co. go through the process. NBA insider Jakes Fischer of Yahoo! Sports reports that former Charlotte Hornets head coach James Borrego has emerged as the front runner for the job in Southern California.
“Borrego has also been categorized by league personnel as a leading candidate for the Lakers’ head coaching job, although Los Angeles’ search has been muddied by an unsuccessful pursuit of UConn head coach Dan Hurley. Borrego has been credited with boosting New Orleans’ offensive approach during this past season while aiding Willie Green’s staff.”
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Fischer also noted that the Cleveland Cavaliers completed their interview with the respected veteran coach on Tuesday.
A previous report had indicated that Cleveland’s opening might be more attractive to candidates than the Lakers’ vacancy. That’s obviously surprising in the grand scheme of things.
Things are certainly complicated given the dynamics in Los Angeles right now. The team is coming off a first-round exit in the NBA Playoffs. LeBron James is likely to opt out of his contract. D’Angelo Russell is as good as gone.
As for Borrego, he worked this past season as the top assistant under Willie Green with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Borrego served as the Charlotte Hornets head coach from 2018-22, leading the team to a combined 138-163 record without a playoff appearance. He’s seen as an innovative offensive mind, something the Lakers are seemingly valuing in their search.