Lakers Rumors: New HC Expected to Be Hired By 2024 NBA Draft amid JJ Redick Buzz

The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly are expected to fill their head coaching vacancy within the next two weeks.

According to The Athletic's Jovan Buha and Shams Carania, "The Lakers' plan of having a coach in place by the June 26 NBA Draft — and ideally sooner — remains unchanged, according to team and league sources."

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported earlier on Thursday that Los Angeles is set to formally interview former NBA guard JJ Redick for the position this weekend.

The Lakers were left reeling after Dan Hurley turned down their six-year, $70 million contract offer earlier this week to remain at UConn.

Charania and Buha noted that the team's brass "regrouped Tuesday and began circling back to candidates, including Redick." New Orleans Pelicans assistant coach James Borrego was also named as a "central candidate" in the search by Los Angeles.

Redick has no formal coaching experience, but he established himself as an intriguing option for teams looking for an innovative mind. He's impressed as an NBA analyst and podcast host after ending his 15-year career that included tenures with the Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks.

Redick also has a close relationship with Lakers star LeBron James, as the two of them host the Mind the Game podcast together. Despite his lack of coaching experience, Charania and Buha noted that sources said the Lakers are "high on Redick's potential and view the 15-year NBA veteran as a Pat Riley-like coaching prospect."

The coaching hire by Los Angeles will be crucial for James' future with the franchise, as he faces a deadline of June 29 to decide whether he will exercise his $51.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season or become a free agent.

While there are no indications that James is looking to leave Hollywood, the Lakers need to find someone who can help him achieve his goal of contending for an NBA title as his legendary career winds down.