Lakers Rumors: JJ Redick Rumblings 'Strong' amid HC Search, LeBron James Buzz

The buzz linking ESPN analyst JJ Redick with the Los Angeles Lakers' coaching vacancy continues to be "strong," according to The Athletic's Jovan Buha.

"I've been hearing he was initially a slight favorite and that has become stronger and stronger over the last couple of weeks," Buha said at the 6:42 mark in the newest episode of his podcast. "All the buzz around the league is that he is the front-runner to be the Lakers' next head coach."

TNT Sports' Chris Haynes painted a similar picture on The Dan Patrick Show. He effectively said the signs are pointing toward Redick getting the job, and the former NBA sharpshooter is already contacting coaches who could join his staff.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Boston Celtics assistant Sam Cassell and New Orleans Pelicans assistant James Borrego "would be prime targets" to work under Redick.

In addition to his 15 years as a player, Cassell has coached in the NBA since the 2009-10 season. Borrego has had multiple stops as an assistant and was the Charlotte Hornets head coach for four seasons. Both would help to offset Redick's inexperience on the bench.

Regardless of how this will end, a conclusion doesn't appear to be imminent. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported Wednesday on NBA Today that Los Angeles is "nowhere close" to making a final decision. The organization is still in the process of vetting candidates.

The search might continue to drag on even if the Lakers decide relatively soon that Redick is their guy.

Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer reported his work with ESPN may preclude him from accepting the job before the NBA Finals are over. The Finals could end as early as June 14 and run through June 23 if the series goes seven games.