The Los Angeles Lakers are considering several candidates for their head coaching vacancy, with a diverse list that includes Mike Budenholzer, Kenny Atkinson, JJ Redick, Tyronn Lue, and Charles Lee.
Mike Budenholzer, former head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, has been out of coaching since the end of the 22-23 season, following a tenure that included a championship win two years prior. Kenny Atkinson, formerly a head coach for the Brooklyn Nets, recently served as an assistant with the Golden State Warriors and had a brief agreement to coach the Charlotte Hornets in 2022 before stepping back from the position.
JJ Redick, who has pursued head coaching opportunities in the past, including interviews with the Toronto Raptors and Charlotte Hornets, is also in the running. Currently, Redick is prominent in the media as one of ESPN’s leading game analysts and hosts a podcast with LeBron James.
Tyronn Lue, still under contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, who are set to inaugurate their new arena in the 24-25 season, is another strong candidate. Meanwhile, Charles Lee, who has been considered for head coaching roles in recent hiring cycles, continues his coaching career as an assistant with the Boston Celtics.
CAN LEBRON ASSUME THE ROLE OF A PLAYER/COACH
An intriguing prospect for the Lakers could see LeBron James stepping into a player/coach role, a scenario not witnessed in the NBA since the 1978/79 season when Dave Cowens assumed such a position for the Boston Celtics. Before that, Bill Russell served in a similar capacity for the Celtics during the 1960s, highlighting a historic precedent for this dual role.
This coaching search follows the Lakers’ decision to part ways with Darwin Ham after his teams were eliminated in the playoffs two years in a row by the Denver Nuggets, with a disheartening combined score of 1-8. This move has opened up speculation and discussions on the next potential leader who can steer the Lakers back to their storied success.
