Report: Lakers Interview Cassell, Borrego, Redick... Who Do They Believe Has "Pat Riley" Potential?

Well, the interview process is off and running!
The Athletic reports that the Lakers have met with JJ Redick, James Borrego and Sam Cassell for their vacant head coaching position, and plan to meet with David Adelman, Micah Nori and Chris Quinn before things are said and done.
But for now, the infatuation with Redick appears to be just that. The Lakers really are reportedly "infatuated" with Redick, with The Athletic reporting the Lakers view him as a potential Pat Riley - i.e. a former player (and broadcaster no less!) with little coaching experience who takes over a team with high expectations, and manages even to exceed them. Riley, after all, won a title in his first year. Of course, that Lakers team back in '81-'82 was stacked, and while this team is good... it ain't stacked.
Is Riley the right template, here? Even while nobody knows how Redick will fare, should he be hired?
Meanwhile, the back and forth this week about the role LeBron James plays in all of this indicates the Lakers still have something of a marriage of convenience with their iconic star, even as he cedes more space to Anthony Davis. LeBron is here, and is expected to stay, because of other reasons that eclipse trust/belief in Rob Pelinka.
Finally, what does Denver losing to Minnesota mean for how the Lakers ought to approach this offseason?
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: Do the Lakers see Redick as the next Riley?
SEGMENT 2: Are both the front office and LeBron simultaneously trying to take credit for, and absolve themselves of, Redick?
SEGMENT 3: What the Lakers learn about the offseason following Denver's loss to Minnesota.
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[@hb2450]

Riley was an assistant first before becoming the head coach.

[@bbyflip1]

should’ve kept Phil handy on the staff !!!!

[@rvdt4ever]

BREAKING NEWS: According to Shams&Whoops the Lakers’ new head coach JJR is walking around with a clip board 24/7 to fill in his complete lack of coaching experience. He even sleeps with it. The Lakers’ front office absolutely loves this. He’s dedicated, he’s innovative, he’s a grinder.

[@jakkicee5014]

Don’t insult Pat Riley with the JJ bullshit. Lakers are looking for a cheap coach not a talented coach.

[@AndreP1524]

Cheap? Umm ALL the AVAILABLE options are cheap, You fans act like they can just bully and get any coach they want, They can only get who is AVAILABLE and they can spend whatever they want on their coach

[@Sandcastle992]

​@AndreP1524 Lakers are very known for being cheap my friend. They didn't wanna pay tye lue last time and still trying to hire rookie head coaches for cheap. With AD and Lebron on your team, you should be hiring a championship winning coach or a veteran coach. Guys like kenny atkinson, nate mcMillan, Terry stots, stan van gundy, chris quinn etc should be getting interviews way over JJ imo

[@turdwar]

​@AndreP1524 they didn't hire Tyrone Lu because of money, they're cheap. Jeanie Buss is not a very good owner. I wouldny be mad if the sold the team to an ownership like the Dodgers. It's time for change. Take you money and leave.

[@notorious_H.A.N]

Lakers are run like a mom and pop shop… nepotism runs rampant in the lakers organization. You have best friends of the owner running the franchise … it’s actually sad.

[@MindYourBiznesss]

Exactly!!! As much as I love my Lakers I can objectively admit that Jeanie is cheap. They are trying to hire rookie head coaches because they can't demand max money without experience. Keep in mind they still have to pay Darvin Ham what he's owed & pay the new coach.

[@ericmcgilp9704]

Redick and Cassell are both interesting prospects. Sadly, whoever gets selected will take a lot of heat, because with LBJ making $50 million, we can't put a contending team on the court until he is gone. Not sure if ANY coach will be able to survive the next couple of bad years?

[@johnkennethlanuza6116]

If they JJ Reddick as pat riley this only shows that Lakers front office is clueless as Ham's coaching for this upcoming offseason. If rob pelinka is a competitive gm and vp of basketball operation he should come up a plan for this offseason after he failed to move DLo's contract during trade season whether Dlo played nice and obviously worst this playoff he should have plan on what to do to him this offseason. Also, they fired ham without picking up a replacement ahead of draft night. This only shows rob's incompetence.

[@tjboxingsports3584]

Jerry Bus aint walking through that door, neither is Phil Jackson!! Front office let Bron run the organization, and this is the mess you get. Trades every off season, Coaches being fired left and right. Dude need to retire and return our Franchise to the rightful owners.

[@mrc302]

ASAP!👍

[@MikeyBakerMusic]

I cannot wait to see what the post LBJ era looks like.

[@Sandcastle992]

Me too! They better cherish the moments now because they going back to being a bottom team in the league

[@tjboxingsports3584]

​@Sandcastle992 WE ain't that good with the old guy!! He is a Stat padding front runner!! Empty stats, don't be fooled by his numbers.

[@mrc302]

He's going to leave them exactly how he left Cleveland. Can you say barren?

[@tjboxingsports3584]

@@mrc302 Exactly 💯

[@bigballer6666]

@@Sandcastle992they are already bums. We may miss the In Season Championship though so yes it will be hard times 😂

[@t-rav3493]

If we remember correctly, a few years ago we won the title and the offseason prior to that both AD and LeBron were in close contact with Pelinka building the team. Now fast forward a few years and both stars seem to be removed from this process voluntarily..why is that? Because Pelinka managed to publicly deflect ALL of the blame of the Russ trade to LeBron and AD. If a player makes decisions for the organization, then the organization sux. If an organization works in lock step with a star player to make decisions, it usually spells a healthy partnership. But when the player purposefully distances himself from the organization’s decisions in light of multiple failures, it typically means the organization is attempting to rest blame on the players to avoid taking responsibility…not a great ran front office

[@kf4778]

AD's opinion on the new coach is what should be prioritized!

[@Average_Dadx]

I don't see the lakers being able to add mitchell unless he forces it - which I think he will not. My sleeper trade target would be Jordan Poole. I realize hebasically quit on Washington for a good chunk of the year (I don't blame him). But I noticed that he also stepped up and worked his ass off when playing the Lakers. I can only imagine how much joy he'd feel being in a better situation. To make the deal work you're talking Vando, Gabe, JHS and maybe Wood for salary matching purpose though I'd prefer a scenario where Rui is maybe going to a third team instead of Vando going out. I would only do this deal if we lose Dlo for nothing. It just seemed like a less costly move that would still leave us picks and other tradable assets for another deal down the line.

[@KeithCopeland778]

STOP!!!!! Pat Riley is an NBA Champion as a player AND as an assistant coach and as a head coach AND as a GM AND is in the Hall of Fame. PLEASE DO NOT COMPARE A TV ANALYST AND PODCASTER WITH ZERO COACHING EXPERIENCE AND WAS AT BEST A JOURNEYMAN NBA PLAYER TO AN NBA LEGEND!!!!!!! That's stupid and ludicrous!!!

[@monica93304]

If they're set on JJR, I would hire Coach K to be an advisor to him for a couple of seasons, in addition to the best assistant coaches the can get.

[@ALBRONSON]

JJ has zero Finals experience and little Playoff experience as a player. He’s a regular season guy. Pat Riley, Jason Kidd, Steve Kerr, Larry Bird all knew that playoff and Finals intensity.

[@LockedOnLakers]

That's not true at all. Redick was in the rotation for the Magic during the 2009 Finals vs. the Lakers, went to the playoffs almost every season of his career, and started 70 of his 110 total postseason games. If you're still not sold on Redick, that's fine. There are valid concerns with him. But "lack of playoff experience as a player" is simply not a valid reason. AK

[@garrettfitchew4906]

This is so funny because listing to the show yesterday I somehow likened Reddick to Riley in hopes of him being a young, smart, and hard nosed coach… with possibly longevity… great minds think alike… I think lakers nation did a similar title haha

[@tyjohnson3111]

3:42 AK & BK Love the work big bros 💪🏾 Kareem in 81’ lead the league in WS, and his level of play was at an MVP💎 caliber level…with Magic missing that extended amount of time in the middle of the season. With Magic in the lineup, they were 26-11. Without him in 45 Games; 28-17. In those 45 Games, Kareem was 29/11/3 with 3 BPG on 62% TS (+9) 11/20 FG (58%) + 6/8 FT per game (79%) Magic came back averaging 22/9/9 on 58% TS (+5) in the last 17 games 8/16 FG (53%) + 5/7 FT (73%) per game, after starting the first 20 games with 21/8/9/3/1 on 58% TS (+5) 9/16 FG (53%) + 4/5 FT (79%) per game ⏺️Should be noted in the 2 games Kareem missed in 1981 RS, Magic (pre-injury) was 2-0 averaging 22/9/11/6/1 on 44% TS (17/42 FGM + 10/18 FTM) 10-15-1980 LAL (2-0) vs. KCK (1-2) 20/12/14/7/0 8/23 FG (35%) + 4/8 FT (50%) 10-17-1980 LAL (3-0) vs. PHO (3-0) 24/6/7/5/1 with 3 TOV 9/19 FG (47%) + 6/10 FT (60%)

[@stevewise1656]

JJ needs former experienced head coaches on the bench. Ham decided not to do that and not sure he would've listened. The Lakers need to pay those coaches and training staff.

[@2LeBron3]

I hope lakers consider Rajon Rondo to be part of the coaching staff of the lakers.. His IQ & experience can be great for the lakers.. Also lakers should target Lauri Markkanen, Malik Monk & Alex Len.. go get Kyle Filipowski..

[@hazelnutsugar2943]

okay people can’t say he’s the next pat riley, but also people can’t say he’ll never be as good as pat. we don’t know. we gotta stop comparing, and just see what happens

[@brandonhall4547]

Based on how the lakers communicate through leaks this tells me reddick was already decided on a long time ago

[@hernandomartinromero8602]

Pat Riley was a former player turned commentator before being an assistant coach for 1 and half seasons before becoming HC and inherited a championship team. We don't know how JJ will do...can be the next great up and coming young coach or he can sink... Pelinka will have to set him up for success via roster...Cassell to me will be a "safe" hire but I don't see the Lakers FO doing that...they did that with the Ham hire and now he will be back as an assistant on someone's staff next year.

[@dennisknowles9293]

It's Paul Westphal if I'm not mistaken Andy an Brian

[@BramaBull-fs4ou]

I’m about to stop being a Laker fan!. J J isn’t the answer, I’m not even sure he’d be a good assistant coach. The Lakers should hire Mark Jackson Period! Let him coach, give him the space and latitude make coaching decisions, while holding (everyone accountable)!

[@_greatness434]

The coaches they interview for the head coach who don't get it should be a assistant some if not all is one

[@romeosira3665]

Lakeshow chasing their past rather than moving forward smh

[@MrAxidol]

If JJ is to Riley, is Pelinka to Jerry West? No way Jose😊

[@MrExBearPoker]

Only because he didn't run off into the office like he did when he wanted Westbrook. Let's not act like he wasn't determined because of the Nets acquiring Harden.

[@t-rav3493]

Let’s be honest, we wouldn’t be in this situation in the first place had they just hired Ty Lue back in 2020. We wouldn’t be cycling through coaches (although Vogel firing sucked it wasn’t his fault because they screwed up the roster, Ham firing was needed because he screwed up the chemistry) everything else, including the roster shake up, is a result of not hiring the right coach in the first place. While Ham being fired was needed, the timing is trash because they are no GUARANTEED good coaching candidates, just a bunch of guys who in theory (including JJ) could be good or could be bad. We just have to wait for this to play out and hopefully at some point Pelinka gets fired and Jeanie sells the team

[@ChuckPTV]

I’d like to see Adelman get it idk anymore

[@victorc8804]

Yup Reddick will be around in 40 years in the 2060's decade when he is pat Riley's age still enjoying a role in the NBA of his choosing , Reddick story is still being written and a future legend ,Pat Riley story is almost done

[@christopherrogers1598]

There was no salary cap in the 80's. C'mon.

[@dennisknowles9293]

AND HAIR HE IS J.J. REDDICK😂😂😂

[@LockedOnLakers]

I mean, if you're hiring on hair, Redick is clearly the frontrunner. Although Nori's got some nice coverage, to be fair. Strong "silver fox" look that could give Redick at least some competition. From there, however, the dropoff is pretty steep. Borrego and Quinn? Fine, but nothing to write home about. Adelman is balding. Cassell hasn't had hair since... I dunno, ever? AK

[@Murali_bala13]

There's no doubt that JJ the unknown offers the greatest celling as well as perhaps the lowest floor for the next 2 seasons.... Therefore if you're taking a swing, might as well take the one with the greatest ceiling?? Also there's this false notion that unless you carried a clip board and were officially called a "coach" or "assistant", you didn't have experience esp as a vet and that you didn't have an active role in game planning orr mentoring youngsters... Come on... The same Laker fans are fine with Lebron donning the player coach hat.😅

[@craigosterberg5045]

Go Lakers 😊

[@Toneloc1818]

Reaves, Rui, JHS, Lewis, 3 unprotected 1st Rd picks, 2 swaps. If Cleveland took this deal because Mitchell wants to go to the lakers. Lakers roster.... Mitchell Dlo Vanderbilt LeBrick AD. ...... Vincent Christie Wood Valanciunas via MLE

[@Cahluvca]

Championship or bust organization with spotlight of Lebron...better have dream team coaching staff

[@robs4491]

JJ will be the next head coach. Pelinka needs to hire good assistants to assist JJ. What will happen to JJ's podcast if he accepts the job?

[@LockedOnLakers]

I absolutely plan on asking Redick about the podcast during his introductory presser, should he get hired. It's among the things I'm sincerely most curious about. AK

[@gregpollard7158]

I believe Final Coaching Candidates will be Cassell/Reddick/Nori!!! • Adelman doesn’t have the Big Voice/Personality to Coach LBJ/AD & Coach in L🌴A • Borrego as a Brown 🟢⚪️🔴 Brotha would be a Dope Coach in L🌴A however, We can’t hire a Coach with a losing HC Record. • Chris Quinn would be a Good Coach for a Young LAker Team but, LBJ/AD aren’t buying into a Heat 🔥 Culture Mentality @ this Stage in Their Career.

[@ELITESLAZ]

Get Jeremy Lin one year contract Lakers need shooters under pressure situations...he's been through all that

[@timraschke2915]

How quickly that Rob took full responsibility for the Russ trade....and how quickly we forget how Rob orchestrated the trade deadline of getting rid of Russ with only using one first rounder. Why do we do lofty comparisons with JJ to Pat Riley? Pat was a former Lakers player and assistant coach

[@LockedOnLakers]

We're not talking about the same thing here. Yes, Pelinka ultimately conceded the Russ mistake (not that it really required his admission) by fixing it. But we're talking about the messaging through media about who was the driving force behind acquiring Russ, and what's been a clear attempt to push the blame in that sense on LeBron and AD. Two separate issues. Appreciate you watching. AK

[@timraschke2915]

@@LockedOnLakers please let me know of a video clip of Rob Pelinka blaming LeBron and AD. Observation: I've watched other Locked On newscasters share valid information about their team(Indy, NOP, NYN, GSW, etc) and they even discuss some of the stats mistakes on the court. I do not hear the same unbias reporting from you. I love leaders taking responsibility for the team: like Anthony Edwards. I just hear excuses from LeBron.

[@LockedOnLakers]

@@timraschke2915 You're not gonna find on the record statements from Pelinka, nor did I claim you would. I said it's messaging through the media. If you know how this stuff works, and I do, because it's my job, then you know what to look for. I don't remember specific articles or news segments off the top of my head, but trust me, it happened. (Or don't trust me. Also an option. You're allowed.) AK

[@timraschke2915]

@@LockedOnLakers As a journalist, you are supposed to check the validation of need. Basically, then, you're just reporting hearsay...so you're just gossiping. I like facts. For example, Ric Bucher, on First Take, stated that he received an email from Klutch Sports asking him to cast MVP vote for LeBron. That's news.

[@HERKIMER_]

JJ 2 YEARS BACK "HERE AGAIN" (maybe mark jackson gets a chance although in two yrs "window" is closed)

[@Dr_Acula_MD]

Riley?!? Nah he’s more like the next Leflop James lol He talks a lot of smack then chokes when it’s all on the line

[@tripleas1120]

EVEN IF THEY HAVE TY LUE AS COACH OR KYRIE THIS DEADLINE THEY WONT WIN! THEY NEED ANOTHER BIG MAN WITH AD THAT CAN MATCH WOLVES,DENVER OR BOSTON!AND A LONG SMALL FORWARD THAT CAN SHOOT 3 AND DEFEND LIKES OF TROY MURPHY OR JADEN MCDANIELS.

[@lakernerd5979]

I know has Ham potential, the way he is being killed by the media and Laker fans.

[@praveenchandar012]

😑 No one can be Riley but "Pat Riley" seriously jj.

[@HERKIMER_]

WITH THE "CHOICES OF COACHES" THE LAKERS ARE IN NEED OF A LOBOTOMY....

[@robertwilliams-np6wb]

Are John Ireland and Mychel Thompson in the conversation? Robert Horry? Two bald dudes talking Hair envy? Will Lebron play fifty games next year after spending his summer in Paris? Just a heads up. Austin Reaves failed to qualify in a golf tournament to potentially turn Professional Golfer. AR and DeLo should start shooting threes all summer. Get ready for next year. Coach JJ and the transition three offense is coming.

[@TNKHART]

Ty Lue and Clips have had little advancement in contract talks.

[@davidsuissa6247]

we need jeff van gundy

[@AndrewRast-dh1hn]

Riley was only an assistant coach for 1 season. So not a whole lot more experience than what JJ would have.

[@LockedOnLakers]

Two seasons. And it was back when staff sizes were extremely small, so by definition, more was on the assistant's plate. I'm not saying it's a massive amount of experience, but it's still more than Redick. And again, the Lakers' original plan was Riley as the co-head coach with West, who ditched it. The Lakers weren't originally looking to just throw Riley into the deep end by himself. He also had a much better roster. Does this mean Redick, if hired, can't succeed? Of course not. As we've both said many times, there are reasons for Redick's appeal. But it's not really apples to apples between him and Riley, and I think details have gotten lost in time with how the legend of Riley has been told. Worth pointing out, no matter how you feel about Redick getting the job. Appreciate you watching. AK

[@cynthiaharris2561]

He ain’t Pat Riley…how about he go through what 99% of coaches have done…actually coached as an assistant… earn it, not be granted it … he has proven NOTHING!!!

[@michaeljohnson2000]

No Redick is not

[@belindatrawick9321]

Denver is not falling off a cliff because they lost

[@LockedOnLakers]

No argument. AK

[@HERKIMER_]

1) DAWN STALEY OR 1A) RONDO

[@michaeljohnson2000]

LeBron needs to go

[@pinoykayaker]

Next coach should get 2 year deal, second year a team option. Ham got 4 years. Lol.