Conflicting Info on Lakers' JJ Redick Interest Emerges Amid Coaching Search

Even though the 2024 NBA Finals begin this week, a lot of the basketball world's attention is on the Los Angeles Lakers. One of the biggest sports franchises on the planet, the Lakers continue to steal headlines as they continue their head coach search after Darvin Ham's dismissal following a first-round playoff loss to the Denver Nuggets.

While Los Angeles has been linked to several coaching candidates, one name that continues to pop up is JJ Redick. Even though he's never coached in the NBA before, the retired sharpshooter is viewed as one of the top candidates due to his knowledge of the game and the fact that he hosts the "Mind the Game" podcast with Lakers superstar LeBron James.

With the NBA Finals set to begin shortly, Lakers fans are wondering if they can expect to hear Redick announced as the new head coach soon. Although it'd be nice to put the search to bed, one insider is saying that Los Angeles fans shouldn't hold their breath regarding an announcement — especially as far as Redick is concerned.

Lakers Rumors: JJ Redick Head Coach Rumors are Conflicting

On the latest episode of ESPN's "The Hoop Collective" podcast, NBA insider Brian Windhorst discussed the possibility of Redick coaching the Lakers. When it comes to the 39-year-old's outlook, Windhorst said that his information is "scattered" and that he's heard a lot of conflicting reports regarding Redick heading to Los Angeles next season.

Windhorst goes on to mention that some of his trusted sources have told him that Redick will be coaching the Lakers, however, others indicated that the search is far from complete. The feeling is that while the former player-turned-broadcaster is a "very strong candidate, others like James Borrego are also "viable."

Interestingly enough, Windhorst's update comes just days after ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Lakers are "nowhere close" to finalizing their next head coach. Windhorst corroborated that on his podcast appearance, saying that Los Angeles fans might have to wait until after the NBA Finals wrap up before the new bench boss is announced.

This year's NBA Finals begin on Thursday, June 6, and will finish no later than Sunday, June 23. In other words, Lakers fans will likely need to hang in for about three more weeks before learning about who'll be guiding the roster next season and beyond.

Redick played 940 games for six different franchises across his 15-year NBA career, averaging 12.8 points and 2.1 threes made with .447/.415/.892 shooting splits. He never won a ring despite being one of the league's top perimeter shooters, leaving time to tell if he'll finally taste championship glory as a coach.

While Windhorst's sources are pointing in multiple directions, oddsmakers feel confident about who'll be Los Angeles' next head coach. Unsurprisingly, Redick is currently DraftKings Sportsbook's -210 favorite to coach the Lakers.

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Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.