Is LeBron James part of the Lakers’ hunt for a new head coach? The recent report is somewhat startling.
James and the Los Angeles Lakers are looking for a new head coach after Darvin Ham’s termination. Los Angeles made the choice to leave Ham after two seasons, following a first-round elimination in the NBA Playoffs.
The 2023-24 season featured plenty of controversy between Ham and the Lakers’ veteran-laden lineup. A big disconnect developed late in the regular season and during the playoffs, culminating to his dismissal.
As for James, he plans to opt out of his contract and enter NBA free agency this summer. While it is widely assumed that James will return to the Lakers, there are other elements at play.
James is particularly interested in learning more about the Lakers’ plans for a group that underperformed significantly last season. D’Angelo Russell will join James in entering free agency. Meanwhile, there is speculation that Los Angeles could utilize fellow guard Austin Reaves as trade bait to land a third star with King James and Anthony Davis.
In the Lakers’ head coach hunt, former NBA player JJ Redick has emerged as a major candidate. It’s shocking that Redick has no previous teaching experience. He’s more of a media celebrity and is about to launch a podcast with James. Hence, the link.
LeBron James has no role in the Los Angeles Lakers’ head coach hunt.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reports that James has no participation in the Lakers’ head coach search, which must be viewed as shocking. He isn’t participating in the search at all.
“I’ve been told that LeBron James is not involved in the Lakers’ head coaching hunt. James has made it plain that this is the organization’s decision, and he has had no conversations with the Lakers about JJ Redick, according to Charania on Monday.
There was widespread belief that James would be involved in the search for a Ham replacement. After all, he has had a say in coaching decisions during his Hall of Fame-worthy tenure.
It remains to be seen whether the most recent news tells us that James is contemplating other choices before to free agency. You would think he would want to participate.
