NBA insider reveals significant update on Lakers' coaching search

The Los Angeles Lakers continue their search for a new head coach, and several candidates have emerged as potential replacements for Darvin Ham after an early NBA playoff exit.

Ham was fired Friday after two seasons with the team, and the Lakers have been busy reaching out to possible successors. Tyronn Lue and Jason Kidd were initially mentioned as top targets, but Kidd has since agreed to a contract extension with the Dallas Mavericks.

According to Shams Charania, the Lakers are now considering Mike Budenholzer, Kenny Atkinson, JJ Redick, and Charles Lee for the position. Budenholzer, a former championship head coach with the Milwaukee Bucks, is a highly experienced candidate who could bring a winning culture to the Lakers.

“The top candidates, Mike Budenholzer, former championship head coach of the Bucks—Kenny Atkinson, JJ Redick, Charles Lee, and Ty Lue is really the big name if he’s available,” Charania said on Fanduel’s “Run It Back” Show.

Atkinson, a former head coach with the Brooklyn Nets, has a strong defensive mindset and could help the Lakers improve on that end of the floor. Redick, a former NBA player and current analyst, is a dark horse candidate who could bring a fresh perspective to the team.

The Lakers are taking their time to evaluate the candidates and find the best fit for the position. With a talented roster and a strong front office, the team is an attractive destination for many coaches.

The search is ongoing, and the Lakers are expected to make a decision in the coming weeks. With the NBA playoffs still ongoing, the team has the luxury of waiting for the right coach to become available.