NBA Rumors: James Borrego Gaining 'Traction' for Cavs HC Job After Lakers Interview

Having already been deemed a top candidate for the Los Angeles Lakers' vacant head-coaching position, James Borrego also has a lot of fans within the Cleveland Cavaliers organization.

Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Borrego has gained "traction" with the Cavs as they look for their next coach to replace J.B. Bickerstaff.

Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer reported on Wednesday that Borrego, who met with the Cavs earlier this week, is still considered a "leading candidate" for the Lakers.

Per The Athletic's Jovan Buha, Borrego was "impressive" in his meetings with Lakers officials and was considered the "primary competition" for JJ Redick to get the job.

Buha's report came out before it was known that Connecticut head coach Dan Hurley was being strongly pursued by the Lakers. Hurley announced on Monday he was staying at UConn, with Wojnarowski reporting he turned down a six-year, $70 million offer from the Lakers.

Now that the Lakers are onto their next plan, it seems like Redick and Borrego are among their top choices.

According to Wojnarowski, Redick will have a formal interview with Lakers' brass, including general manager Rob Pelinka and governor Jeanie Buss, this weekend.

Cleveland will also interview Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson and Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori this week, per Fischer. Dave Joerger and Johnnie Bryant are also considered to be in the mix for the job.

The Cavs fired Bickerstaff after five seasons on May 24. His dismissal came nine days after the team lost to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the playoffs.

Borrego spent this season as an assistant on Willie Green's staff with the New Orleans Pelicans. He was a head coach for four seasons with the Charlotte Hornets from 2018 to '22, compiling a 138-163 record.