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For the Lakers specifically, though, nothing has come out other than some links to candidates they are interested in to some degree. It could be the Lakers taking a slow approach to the situation, which they did last head coaching search.
It could also be that the Lakers are focused on very specific candidates as well. Two of the most common names mentioned for the opening have been current Clippers coach Ty Lue and ESPN broadcaster and LeBron James podcast co-host JJ Redick.
On Thursday, Dave McMenamin of ESPN appeared on The Rich Eisen Show and discussed the Lakers’ coaching search at length.
“The only two candidates I’ve reported…on and I stand fast as the two, I don’t if I would say top names but certainly names the Lakers clearly have interest in are Tyronn Lue and J.J. Redick. Now, Tyron Lue, there’s been reports from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that the Clippers intend to extend him. Until that happens, he will remain a person of interest for the Lakers head coaching job. We shall see what will happen…But there remains interest in Tyronn Lue and in J.J. Redick as someone who the team views as an intriguing, young, smart prospect. Someone who could grow in the job and, obviously, has established a report with LeBron James and the Lakers intend to have LeBron James come back on any term that he wants to.
Those are the names right now. I’ve seen other reporting by other outlets listing a bunch of candidates. Of course, the Lakers are aware of every potential person they could and, at some point, the list could expand. But they are staying relatively focused there. They intend to talk to experienced candidates. I know I’ve said J.J. Redick, he is not experienced. He would be the exception. There is a preference to find an experienced candidate. As they expand if they need to, look for them to add experienced candidates to that list. But right now, those are the two names I have heard with real, genuine interest that the Lakers have.”
