Brian Westerholt-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Lakers Have Frontrunner For Coaching Job

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics
By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated 5/17/24

Due to an early playoff exit, the Los Angeles Lakers chose to let Darvin Ham go recently. And while JJ Redick is the most popular choice to end up as head coach, the possibility of Sam Cassell ending up as the winner is gaining traction lately.

Ham took over the coaching reins two years ago when Frank Vogel failed to coach the Lakers to victory. While things started slow because of Russell Westbrook’s inclusion in the lineup, things started to pick up some pace after the front office decided to trade him last year.

This move resulted in a deep playoff run that saw Los Angeles reach the Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets. And while the team was swept in that showdown, there was hope that they can replicate that feat and go beyond it this season. Unfortunately, Ham was unable to keep the team’s trust as the Lakers exited the playoffs earlier than expected.

With Ham now gone, the front office has started searching for his replacement. After considering Ty Lue and Jason Kidd, their search might end up with Redick, even if there are reservations about the former NBA star.

Boston Celtics Assistant Coach Sam Cassell Rumored To Be Los Angeles Lakers’ Frontrunner For Head Coaching Gig

If the Lakers are hesitant to take such a risk by hiring Redick, there’s a chance the head coaching gig will end up in Sam Cassell’s hands. According to Adrian Wojnarowski and Marc Stein, there’s a chance the current Boston Celtics assistant may be chosen in an article written by Joseph Zucker for Bleacher Report:

“ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Lakers have received permission to speak with Cassell and multiple other candidates working for other teams.

For Rivers and the Bucks, the threat of Los Angeles hiring Cassell may resolve itself. Stein reported JJ Redick “should be classified as the early favorite if you are determined to pinpoint one” for L.A.

A belief is already bubbling in coaching circles that the job might well be his to lose in the interview process despite Redick’s lack of prior coaching experience beyond youth basketball,” Zucker wrote.

As it stands, Cassell is shaping up to be the better candidate between him and Redick. His experience as an assistant coach, paired with the ability to connect well to players, may benefit Los Angeles in the long run.

The Lakers will have to move fast if they choose Cassell because the Milwaukee Bucks are also considering him to include in Doc Rivers’ coaching staff. In any case, it’s going to be an interesting offseason for Los Angeles.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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