Lakers-JJ Redick Buzz Starts Heating Up With Latest Reports

The Los Angeles Lakers have been looking for a new head coach after they parted ways with Darvin Ham on May 3. This is the most pressing issue for the Lakers and is certainly a big one.

LeBron James is also expected to be a free agent this offseason and Los Angeles' nailing this hire will work in their favor of retaining the 39-year-old.

The latest report has confirmed all the buzz that has been surrounding JJ Redick and the Lakers.

Lakers News: Shams Charania Names JJ Redick As Frontrunner for the HC Position

Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium was a guest on the 'Pat McAfee Show' and talked about the Lakers and their coaching search.

Charania said, "I'm told last week the Lakers met with JJ Redick in Chicago at the draft combine. They met for an extended period of time to really get to know him and spend time with him. He was the first candidate to really do a face-to-face meeting."

"My sense is that JJ Redick, he's the guy around the league that everyone believes is the frontrunner for this job. There's infatuation with JJ Redick right now just in terms of his ability right now but also being a coach that the Lakers have for years and years to come.""

- Shams Charania

That's some high praise for Redick, who has never coached a game in the NBA. The 39-year-old has become a great basketball mind in the national media and is a part of the ESPN/ABC broadcast team with Mike Breen and Doris Burke.

Although he lacks coaching experience, that isn't scaring away the Lakers, who need to ace this coaching hire.

It's also worth noting that LeBron James and Redick have a podcast called 'Mind the Game'. Their great relationship certainly gives an advantage as the Lakers hope James re-signs with the purple and gold.

It's still early in the process but Charania is one of the most plugged-in people in the NBA. His words hold weight.

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