Darvin Ham, who led the Los Angeles Lakers to two playoff appearances including a Western Conference Finals, was unexpectedly dismissed by GM Rob Pelinka and owner Jeanie Buss. Pelinka is now on the hunt for the Lakers’ fourth head coach since he took over the front office, with names like Kenny Atkinson, JJ Redick, David Adelman, and James Borrego being considered for the position. Shams Charania of FanDuel TV suggested that LeBron James is likely to return for the 2024-25 season, with a $51.4 million player option for next year.
In the previous season, the Lakers finished with a 47-35 record, securing the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference after winning the play-in contest against the New Orleans Pelicans. However, they were eliminated in five games by the Denver Nuggets in the first round. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN indicated that there is significant interest in JJ Redick, a former NBA player and colleague of LeBron James on the “Mind The Game” podcast, for the head coaching position. Redick’s basketball acumen has been evident in his ESPN appearances and podcasts co-hosted with LeBron.
The Lakers are expected to begin their search for a new head coach during the league’s combine in Chicago, reaching out to coaches and assistants around the league. Redick has emerged as a top candidate, with the Lakers intrigued by his potential fit. Redick, a 15-year NBA veteran known for his sharpshooting, could bring a fresh perspective and valuable experience to the coaching role. The team will be conducting a thorough and extensive search to find the right candidate to lead the Lakers into the upcoming season.
As the Lakers navigate their coaching search, they must also address key roster concerns, particularly in the areas of three-point shooting and perimeter defense. While Darvin Ham and his predecessor Frank Vogel had varying levels of success, the team’s ability to compete in the playoffs will hinge on how they address these strategic needs. The Lakers are in a critical offseason where roster construction decisions will be just as crucial as the selection of a new head coach. With LeBron James likely returning for another season, the team must focus on building a competitive roster around their star players to contend in the Western Conference.
