The Lakers head coaching search is starting to heat up.
Los Angeles fired head coach Darvin Ham after its first-round exit to Denver in the 2024 NBA Playoffs. Former NBA player JJ Redick had been seen as the frontrunner to fill the void for weeks until new information was presented Thursday.
The Lakers are said to be in "relentless" pursuit of UConn head coach Dan Hurley, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Los Angeles is preparing a "massive, long-term" offer to land Hurley, who is coming off back-to-back national championships with the Huskies in 2023 and 2024.
The news caught the NBA world by surprise because Redick was assumed to be star forward LeBron James' preferred candidate. The two have a well-documented friendship through their "Mind the Game" podcast, so the rumors that Redick was Los Angeles' primary head coaching target made sense.
With Hurley now at the top of the Lakers coaching wish list, reports have surfaced that James has not at all been involved in Los Angeles' search for a new head coach.
MORE: Why the Lakers are targeting Dan Hurley over JJ Redick
LeBron James is not involved in Lakers head coach search, per reports
"LeBron James has not had any conversations with the Lakers about Dan Hurley — or JJ Redick and the coaching search in general for that matter," ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported on Thursday.
"James, through his representatives, has made it clear that the Lakers should do what is best for the organization and is mindful and respectful that the Lakers need to make a decision on a coach that will be with the team beyond his playing career," McMenamin concluded.
McMenamin's comment about James' representatives is likely in reference to a statement that his agent Rich Paul made on the Redick-Lakers coaching rumors two weeks ago.
"LeBron is not involved. ... This is a Lakers decision," Paul told Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes in an exclusive interview on May 24.
"JJ is a friend. We respect JJ. I know LeBron and JJ have the podcast. ... But just because they have a podcast — the Lakers have to make a decision for now and later. And whatever that decision is, that'll be an organizational decision. It's as simple as that."
MORE: LeBron James previously praised UConn head coach Dan Hurley
James made an All-NBA team this season but there is no denying that the end of his illustrious career is in the not-too-distant future. Set to turn 40 years old next season, James has openly admitted that he only has a few years left to give.
It should come as no surprise that the Lakers are doing what's best for the future of their organization beyond James' tenure.
James faces a $51.4 million player option this offseason, so he could become an unrestricted free agent if he chooses. The expectation is that James will return to Los Angeles — most likely through a new contract — but there is a slight possibility that he could take his talents elsewhere.
That non-zero percent chance alone should be enough for the Lakers to operate under their own interests.
But under the assumption that James will return to Los Angeles, it's hard to believe he has had zero say in the Lakers head coaching search despite what reports suggest.
