The Lakers' coaching search continues.
Connecticut's Dan Hurley, who emerged as Los Angeles' top coaching target, has decided to stay put in hopes of leading the Huskies to a third consecutive national title. Following Hurley's decision to remain in the collegiate ranks, LA continues a coaching search that began when it fired Darvin Ham in early May.
What's next for the Lakers? For a franchise in search of direction during a pivotal offseason, there is increased pressure to identify the right head coach. Here's where LA stands after Hurley's decision.
MORE: Why Dan Hurley turned down the Lakers to stay at UConn
What's next for the Lakers?
In simple terms, LA must resume its coaching search. Where things get tricky is the direction they decide to turn.
The Lakers will regroup by continuing to vet the other coaches they've been linked, including Pelicans assistant coach James Borrego and ESPN analyst JJ Redick, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
In addition to the above two names, the Lakers reportedly received permission to interview Heat assistant coach Chris Quinn in mid-May. Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson is also a candidate, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania.
LA hopes to have its next head coach in place ahead of the NBA Draft, which begins Wednesday, June 26. Here's more on a few of the Lakers' known coaching candidates.
MORE: LeBron James' potential free agency highlights major offseason in Los Angeles
Lakers coaching candidates
Kenny Atkinson
Regular season record: 118-190 (.383)
Playoff record: 1-4 (.200)
Atkinson has just under four seasons of head coaching experience under his belt. Atkinson has been linked to several coaching vacancies since joining Steve Kerr as an assistant in Golden State
In 2022, Atkinson agreed to take the Hornets' head coaching job before a change of heart resulted in him staying with the Warriors. Two years later, an opportunity with the Lakers could be just what Atkinson is looking for.
James Borrego
Regular season record: 148-183 (.447)
Playoff record: 0-0
Borrego returned to coaching for the 2023-24 season after a year away. After being fired by the Hornets in 2022, Borrego did not coach during the 2022-23 season. Borrego is an assistant coach in New Orleans and has been credited with revamping the team's offense to feature the triumvirate of Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson.
While Borrego has not led a team to the playoffs as a head coach, he has over four seasons of head coaching experience. As an assistant, he's worked with a list of stars that includes Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, LaMarcus Aldridge, Kawhi Leonard and Chris Paul.
Chris Quinn
Regular season record: n/a
Playoff record: n/a
Quinn is the longest-tenured member of Miami's coaching staff, which he joined just one year after his playing career ended. He appeared in 168 games over four seasons with the Heat.
With over a decade of experience as an assistant coach, Quinn's name has been a hot one in coaching searches. He's developed a reputation for player development and has stepped in when Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra is unavailable.
MORE: Why did Dan Hurley turn down the Lakers?
JJ Redick
Regular season record: n/a
Playoff record: n/a
Redick retired from playing in 2021 and has quickly risen up the media ranks. He is considered as a serious candidate thanks to his basketball IQ and bond with Lakers star LeBron James, as the duo host a podcast together.
While he has no formal coaching experience, Redick could be the next former player of Mike Krzyzewski to take on a big coaching role.
