Lakers Rumors: LA to Contact HC Candidates in Coming Days Amid JJ Redick Buzz

After parting ways with Darvin Ham earlier this month, the Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up to begin their search for a new head coach.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Lakers "are expected to start contacting coaching candidates in the coming days." Former NBA star and ESPN analyst J.J. Redick reportedly is included in the team's list of candidates.

Redick has been a popular name in the coaching market for the past few weeks. He was in the running for the Charlotte Hornets' head coaching job before the team ultimately hired Boston Celtics assistant Charles Lee to fill the position.

However, Wojnarowski noted that the Lakers have specific ideas in mind for the start of their coaching search. Sources told him that "the initial wave of requests for interview permission will be with those candidates with whom the organization hadn't met with in precious searches, or simply know less than other candidates."

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has spoken with officials across the league, and sources told Wojnarowski that "the term 'grinder' keeps coming up in the GM's description of an important characteristic for the next coach." Miami Heat assistant Chris Pine and New Orleans Pelicans assistant James Borrego reportedly are expected to be included in the initial interview list.

The Lakers fired Ham after the team lost to the Denver Nuggets in five games in the first round of the playoffs. Ham led Los Angeles to a 90-74 record in his two seasons at the helm.

As star forward LeBron James nears the end of his legendary career, the Lakers are certainly hoping to hire a head coach who can help lead the team to another championship.