New details reveal how Lakers are barely considering JJ Redick for coaching opening

JJ Redick will continue his day job as an ESPN color commentator during the NBA Finals, as the Lakers' interest him for their head coach opening reportedly is even less than previously believed.

ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski reported Thursday night that the Lakers have only interviewed one candidate twice, Pelicans assistant coach James Borrego, whom Lakers' brass met with twice in-person.

He added that several candidates were interviewed once, while not naming Redick, whom The Athletic's Shams Charania reported two days prior was close to a deal to become the Lakers' head coach.

JJ Redick seemed like he was getting the Lakers head coaching job as recently as this week. NBAE via Getty Images

Charania said Redick had an "extended" meeting with the franchise.

It would appear that the Lakers were using Redick as a smokescreen to hide their true intentions of bringing in UConn head coach Dan Hurley, who is scheduled to meet Los Angeles higher-ups Friday.

"In terms of Shams, that will be addressed once the season is over, I'll just say that," Redick said earlier this week of the situation, "I don't mean any job — I mean Shams. We'll wait on that one."

The Lakers' search has featured some stunning developments as they have gone from seeming set to hire a former player with no coaching experience to bringing in arguably the best men's college coach.

Hurley is set to meet with the Lakers' president Rob Pelinka and owner Jeanie Buss on Friday, and Wojnarowksi reported the two sides are "already discussing the contractual parameters of a potential deal that would be significant in its length and salary."

Dan Hurley is set to meet with the Lakers on Friday. Getty Images

Hurley's Huskies have dominated March Madness the last two years while winning back-to-back national titles, triumphing in all 12 games by at least 10 points.

UConn defeated Purdue, 75-60, this past April to become the first team to go back-to-back in the men's tournament since the 2006-2007 Florida Gators led by Billy Donovan.

Donovan would eventually leave Florida for the NBA but has enjoyed limited success since.

J.J. Redick is focused on the NBA Finals as he broadcasts for ESPN. NBAE via Getty Images

Hurley already has LeBron James' stamp of approval.

"He's so DAMN GOOD!!! Along with his staff," James tweeted on April 19 about Hurley. "Super creative with their O! Love it."

If the Lakers land Hurley, Redick's coaching chances will be cut in half.

The only remaining open job, barring an unforeseen coaching change, is the Cleveland Cavaliers' gig.

Pelicans assistant James Borrego. AP

With things progressing fast between Hurley and the Lakers, it's possible that job could be filled by the next time we see Redick on ESPN on Sunday for Game 2 of the NBA Finals.

If Hurley opts to stay in Storrs over Hollywood, Redick could still be considered, although this latest report indicates Borrego could be the No. 2 option.