JJ Redick top coaching contender at Los Angeles Lakers: Reports

As the Lakers continued to visit with prospects in the closing days of the NBA selection combine, rival scouts and executives discussed their coaching search extensively. Lakers insiders who were not authorised to talk publicly described their coaching hunt as a "wide open" process that was still in its early phases.

Following the firing of Darvin Ham, the team began to look into a pool of applicants that included top assistants, previous head coaches, and broadcaster-podcaster JJ Redick. Candidate interviews are nearing completion, although everything being addressed with certainty is now referred to as "hypothetical" by candidates engaged in the process.

Despite what the Lakers say, many around the league regard Redick as the favourite and have expressed varied degrees of agreement. Some see Redick as a brilliant, analytically oriented basketball mind with a thorough comprehension of the game and exceptional communication and presentation abilities. 

While Some question if JJ Redick's financial relationship with LeBron James will impair his ability to bond with the rest of the locker room, a sentiment loudly expressed on television by Udonis Haslem. Others see just inexperience and consider the Lakers' job as a disaster waiting to happen for even veteran coaches, never alone someone transitioning from the broadcast booth to his first coaching position.

Uncertain LeBron James' future with the team

The Lakers' summer plans, and to some extent their coaching plans, are also dependent on LeBron James' future with the team. James' courtside performance in Cleveland on Monday night sparked concern across the NBA about his intentions. According to sources, the Lakers will eventually re-sign James, with the 39-year-old great just considering several deal situations.

According to reports, there were also conversations concerning the Lakers and their desire to sign Cleveland player Donovan Mitchell.