Lakers Dismiss Ham
After being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, the Lakers decided to part ways with head coach Darvin Ham. As they search for a new coach, JJ Reddick has emerged as a candidate. Despite being a podcast partner of LeBron James, it doesn’t necessarily mean James wants Reddick as the new head coach.
LeBron’s Stance on Coaching Search
Renowned The Athletic reporter Shams Charania revealed on a show that LeBron James is not involved in the Lakers’ search for a new head coach. According to Charania, James made it clear that the decision is entirely up to the organization. He hasn’t discussed Reddick’s candidacy with the Lakers or Reddick himself.
Rich Paul’s Statement
LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul, confirmed Charania’s report, stating that while James and Reddick are partners off the court, it doesn’t imply that James wants Reddick to join him on the court as the Lakers’ head coach.
Other Coaching Candidates
Besides Reddick, other candidates for the Lakers’ head coach position include James Borrego and Sam Cassell. Borrego recently served as an assistant coach for the Pelicans and has previous head coaching experience with the Magic and Hornets. He also worked with Anthony Davis during his time as an assistant with the Pelicans from 2010 to 2012.
Sam Cassell’s Background
Sam Cassell, a former NBA player who played for eight different teams, started his coaching career after retiring in 2009. He has served as an assistant coach and is currently part of the Celtics’ coaching staff.
LeBron’s Influence
While LeBron James is a significant figure in the Lakers organization, his decision to stay out of the coaching search indicates a clear boundary between his off-court relationships and professional decisions within the team. The Lakers’ management will ultimately decide the best candidate to lead the team forward. (Panaloko)