Lakers Rumors: James Borrego Seen as a 'Leading Candidate' for HC Job Amid Cavs Buzz | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
Sebastian Wright
Published Mar 24, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans assistant coach James Borrego remains a "leading candidate" for the Los Angeles Lakers amid their coaching search, according to Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer.
Fischer reported Borrego is one of three coaches along with the Golden State Warriors' Kenny Atkinson and Minnesota Timberwolves' Micah Nori to have an interview lined up with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Los Angeles had to hit the reset button when UConn men's basketball coach Dan Hurley decided to stay in his current job, declining an offer reportedly worth $70 million over six years.
The Athletic's Jovan Buha reported Tuesday on his podcast that "it has been a mixed bag in terms of what is the Plan B."
Borrego has interviewed with the Lakers, while ESPN analyst JJ Redick appeared to emerge as the consensus favorite before Hurley entered the frame. NBA insider Marc Stein has even described former Villanova men's coach Jay Wright as a "stealth candidate."
Hurley's decision was seen by some as a bit of a reality check for the Lakers.
Their reputation certainly precedes them as a 17-time champion in one of the country's most attractive markets. But there are obvious drawbacks to this job right now.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis aren't getting any younger. General manager Rob Pelinka hasn't yet shown he can organically build a title contender in the event L.A. has to pivot to a post-LeBron and AD future in a few years. And the Buss family no longer has the financial edge over fellow owners it once possessed.
Matt Norlander @MattNorlanderThe Lakers' ownership group is cash-strapped relative to other franchises. It's got the glamour of Los Angeles and immense history, but multiple NBA sources have expressed caution over the difficulty of that job (with or without LeBron) and with the constraints of the new CBA.
It would certainly be another blow to the Lakers' ego if they prioritized hiring Borrego, only to see him choose the Cavaliers.
