Amidst the unexpected emergence of UConn’s Dan Hurley as a frontrunner in the Los Angeles Lakers’ coaching search, JJ Redick remains a viable candidate for the coveted position, according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic.
Despite recent speculation surrounding Hurley’s potential appointment, sources close to the situation caution that the coaching search is far from settled.
While Lakers executives Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss are set to conduct a formal interview with Hurley on Friday, there remains a possibility that the accomplished college coach could opt to remain with Connecticut.
Hurley’s contractual obligations with UConn, including a lucrative six-year deal signed after the 2023 championship season, may pose a significant obstacle to his transition to the NBA, with a reported buyout of approximately $1.9 million.
In light of these uncertainties, Redick, who has long been considered a frontrunner for the Lakers coaching job, continues to be viewed as a viable candidate by league sources.
While the focus may currently be on Hurley’s candidacy, the dynamic nature of the coaching search suggests that Redick’s status as a contender remains significant.