LeBron James 'Not Involved' in Lakers' Head Coaching Search, per Report

The franchise is considering James' podcasting partner, JJ Redick, among others for the position.

May 13, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Savannah James, LeBron James and Rich Paul sit in the front in / David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

The NBA playoffs have been marching on without LeBron James for a few weeks now. Of course, that does not mean he or the Los Angeles Lakers are out of the news cycle. The Lakers dismissed Darvin Ham following the team's first round exit at the hands of the Denver Nuggets and there have been rumors abound concerning who will succeed him as head coach— including one JJ Redick, currently LeBron's podcast partner on "Mind The Game."

Perhaps because of that fact, reports emerged on Monday emphasizing James was not involved in L.A.'s coaching search in any capacity. Shams Charania reported as much for The Athletic on FanDuel's "Run It Back," stating the future Hall of Famer has no input and definitely isn't being consulted on a possible Redick hire.

"I'm told LeBron James is not involved in the Lakers head coaching search...James has made it clear that this is the organization's decision, he's had no conversions with the Lakers about JJ Redick."@ShamsCharania on the #Lakers coaching search pic.twitter.com/4YbscRYII7

— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) May 20, 2024

This report will probably come in handy if any of James' teammates on the Lakers feel a certain way about Redick's candidacy, given their relationship.

But whether or not James is involved in the traditional sense of the term doesn't really matter. This decision will be made with The King's very large shadow looming over it. He is expected to opt out of his final year with the Lakers ahead of free agency this offseason. At this stage it seems to be for the purpose of re-upping in Los Angeles for the final years of his career, so in theory there's no cause for alarm at Crypto.com Arena.

But even the slimmest possibility that James leaves should make the Lakers very nervous. Especially when taking into account all the Bronny James rumors flying around right now and the obvious opportunity presented if a franchise other than the Lakers selected LeBron's son.

There is always pressure to get a head coaching hire right and the Lakers are accustomed to making every decision under the brightest of spotlights. But with James in his twilight, the lack of young talent on the roster, and the Bronny variable, it feels like a decision that will define the near future of the franchise.

Whether it's Redick or someone else, the expectation to deliver immediately will be hovering. No matter what James might think about the hire.