Lakers Rumors: LA 'Still Early' in HC Search amid JJ Redick, James Borrego Buzz

Do not expect a formal announcement on the Los Angeles Lakers' head coaching vacancy any time soon.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst said he's received word the Lakers are not close to naming their replacement for Darvin Ham, though there remain inklings that JJ Redick is the favorite.

"There's a very strong message that the Lakers are still early in their process. That there are still steps to be done, and they're being very thorough and nothing to see here. ... This is still very up in the air," Windhorst said on the Hoop Collective (2:50 mark).

"Then there is information out there otherwise involving JJ Redick. I will tell you my information is scattered. I have some people saying this is JJ Redick's job that I trust. I have some people saying this is a process that is not complete. I suspect I know something, but I am just going to tell you it is multiple streams of information. James Borrego has had multiple meetings with the Lakers. I think he's a viable candidate for sure, but I think JJ Redick is a very strong candidate."

Barring a darkhorse candidate emerging, all of the tea leaves point to Redick being the most likely candidate to land the job.

Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated called Redick the "overwhelming favorite" to become the team's next head coach (4:30 in video):

The Lakers would have no reason to wait on an announcement if Borrego was their man. In fact, it would behoove them to name Borrego now before the NBA Finals to end speculation. Redick could also pull his name out of the running if he wants to stay in broadcasting, which would eliminate the distraction of his future looming over the Finals broadcast.

None of those things are happening.

Logic would dictate, then, that the Lakers and Redick are waiting until he finishes his obligations at ESPN in the booth before making a hire that will undoubtedly polarize fans.

Redick, who turns 40 this month, has no coaching experience. While he's been impressive showing off his basketball acumen in the media, it would be a risky choice to go with a complete unknown as LeBron James enters his age-40 season. The window of competitiveness is rapidly closing, and we have no idea whether Redick will be able to handle the nightly rigors of coaching at the NBA level.

Borrego, by contrast, did a solid job in his four seasons coaching the Charlotte Hornets and arguably deserves a second chance in a more stable situation. Charlotte fired Borrego after a 43-39 season and subsequently won 48 games over the next two seasons combined.

That said, the Lakers have never been averse to taking big risks with a big name. Redick is by far the bigger splash, and if it works out, the move will look like a stroke of genius.