The Los Angeles Lakers were bounced in the first round of the playoffs, and despite a season that featured the illustrious victory of the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament title, head coach Darvin Ham was just days after that postseason exit.
That adds the Lakers' next coach odds to the list of intriguing things surrounding the Lake Show this offseason, as LeBron James may not be wearing the purple and gold himself next year.
There is no short of potential options to fill the Lakers' coaching role, including familiar faces, first-time coaches, longtime assistants... or possibly even a Lakers reunion.
Los Angeles Lakers next coach odds
| Candidates |  |
|---|---|
| JJ Redick | -115 |
| James Borrego | +425 |
| Sam Cassell | +500 |
| Tyronn Lue | +1000 |
| David Adelman | +1200 |
| Kenny Atkinson | +1200 |
| Monty Williams | +3000 |
| Terry Stotts | +3500 |
| Juwan Howard | +4000 |
| Frank Vogel | +4000 |
| Jay Wright | +4000 |
| Mark Jackson | +5000 |
| Mike D'Antoni | +5500 |
| Becky Hammon | +7000 |
| Jerry Stackhouse | +7500 |
| Chris Quinn | +7500 |
| Jared Dudley | +8000 |
| Dave Joerger | +14000 |
| Adrian Griffin | +15000 |
| Royal Ivey | +16000 |
| Pau Gasol | +20000 |
Odds as of 5-15
Favorites to become next LA Lakers head coach
J.J. Redick (-115 | 53.49% chance)
Any discussion about the next Lakers coach begins and ends with one thing — how well can they co-exist with LeBron, who has basically been a player/coach/GM for years.
Right now, nobody on this list has a better rapport with 'Bron than Redick, who co-hosts the "Mind the Game" podcast with James; where they both nerd out on basketball Xs and Os and talk about the more technical aspects of the game.
Redick, who also works as an analyst for ESPN, doesn't have any actual coaching experience... but is that necessary when LeBron calls the shots anyway? He gets a smart basketball mind, a close friend of his, and someone who thinks on the same wavelength as him.
James Borrego (+425 | 19.05% chance)
Sam Cassell (+500 | 16.67% chance)
Sources have told The Athletic that, after Redick, the next two primary targets are Borrego and Cassell.
Barrego was a long-time Spurs assistant coach under Gregg Popovich, winning two titles with the organization, who is currently a Pelicans assistant and, with his NBA coaching experience, Adrian Wojnarowski directly called out as a "name to watch."
He doesn't have any direct NBA head coaching experience, but neither does Cassell — although he does bring a higher profile name and NBA playing experience.
Cassell is a 16-year NBA vet and three-time NBA champion, with 15 years of experience as an NBA assistant coach after going directly from player to coach. The long-time point guard would bring a blend of playing and coaching experience, while also having no problem handling the feisty LA media.
A reunion (sort of) in the works?
Tyronn Lue (+1000 | 9.09% chance)
Sometimes it's best to just go with what you know — and the Lakers could opt to do that by hiring Lue, a former Lakers player who is used to coaching in Hollywood... as he's currently the head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers.
Helping Lue's case would be his familiarity with LeBron, as Lue was a coach (first assistant then HC) with the Cavaliers during James' second tour in Ohio, helping lead the franchise to its only NBA Championship in 2016.
Lue isn't officially available as of now, but his head coaching experience plus familiarity with the city — and with the Lakers' star player — make him an interesting option.
Lakers next coach pick
By Jason LoganDavid Adelman
Pick made 5-3
Adelman is one of the most sought-after assistants in the NBA, stacking his resume with championship experience on the Denver Nuggets staff — the team that just so happened to send LeBron & Co. packing the past two postseasons. He has a solid coaching pedigree, passed down from his dad Rick Adelman, and it shows in his blueprint for the Nuggets’ offense.
Another notable name — that’s not on the odds board, however — is newly-retired NBA guard Rajon Rondo. While he hasn’t held a coaching position at the pro or college levels, he’s regarded as one of the smartest players of his generation and got the thumbs up from LeBron himself during James and Redick’s podcast series. Rondo would be able to lean on LeBron as he got his feet wet as an NBA head coach.
As a Lakers fan... I don’t hate this idea.
Los Angeles Lakers Next Head Coach Odds FAQs
ESPN broadcaster (and LeBron's podcast co-host) JJ Redick is the current favorite to be the Lakers' next head coach.
The Los Angeles Lakers fired coach Darvin Ham on Friday after just two seasons in Hollywood.
Former Michigan coach Juwan Howard has the shortest odds of anyone coming directly from college, but he is still a long shot.
