The Lakers will reportedly give JJ Redick his first official interview

Last week, the Lakers made headlines as they hoped to hire UConn Dan Hurley as their next head coach, but the talks ended after the coach decided to stay in Connecticut. The purple and gold have struggled to find a replacement for the job since firing Darwin Ham two months ago.

However, one of the most focused on him is JJ Redick, who seems to be suitable for the team but has no experience coaching big teams. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the former athlete will finally get his first official interview as the team hopes to recruit before the upcoming NBA draft.

“After aggressively pursuing Hurley in recent weeks, the Lakers will regroup and resume interviewing in hopes of hiring a coach through the Draft, sources said. James Borrego is expected to remain a part of the team and the Lakers may conduct their first interview with JJ Redick,” the insider wrote.

Our man @ShamsCharania pull to #InsideTheAssociation to @The field to remind everyone that it has always been JJ Redick for the head coaching job of the Lakers.

… not Dan Hurley. pic.twitter.com/1dbGiDy5JB

– Camron Smith (@camronsmith) June 11, 2024

Since Redick has been interviewed by the Hornets, he has admitted to the media that he is determined to return to the NBA as a coach. When appearing last month on the road trippin' podcast, expressed this sentiment. “I'm currently a broadcaster and a podcast host for many podcasts and I enjoy those things,” JJ began.

“It's very fortunate to do this,” he added. “The coaching thing… Channing and RJ I'd guess there's a part of you, and a very small part of me that misses playing. Like, actually playing basketball. There's a small part of me that misses shooting a basketball or going off screen and shooting. But a small part.”

Channing Frye, one of his best friends, took to the microphone to advise him on this opportunity. According to the former basketball player, managing this LA club is a “death sentence,” and JJ shouldn't take his chances.

“To be honest, I think it's a death sentence,” he said NBA TV some time ago. “I think you are jumping the bomb. I know JJ is a coach, but to take on that job – I just don't know – that's a lot. You jump in and not only coach in the NBA, when you've never done that before, but you coach Anthony Davis, D'Angelo Russell and LeBron James. How do you know the time and score conditions? This is not a 'let's learn your way' job. I wouldn't take that job.”

Hurley released a statement after turning down the Lakers' six-year, $70 million offer to stay with UConn

Even though Dan Hurley signed a six-year extension with the Huskies in 2023, he still had a chance to accept the job in Los Angeles, as they are looking to find a replacement for Darvin Ham.

However, the back-to-back national champion announced Tuesday that he has decided to sit it out and turn down a reported six-year, $70 million deal. Shortly after his decision became public, he released a statement about the plan.

“I'm excited about all of this happening,” said Hurley. “At the end of the day, I'm very proud of the culture of excellence that we've built in Connecticut. We came together as a team before today's training and our focus now is to get better this summer and connect as a team as we continue to pursue titles.”

Everyone at UConn is very excited to hear the news, according to their Athletic Director David Benedict. “We are very pleased that Dan Hurley has made the decision to stay at UConn and continue to build on our championship tradition,” he said.