James Borrego Reflects on Lakers Interview, Focuses Forward With Pelicans
James Borrego isn’t shy about where his basketball roots lie. Growing up a die-hard Lakers fan during the golden era of Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the Showtime Lakers were more than just a team-they were a dream.
So when Borrego found himself interviewing for the Lakers’ head coaching job in 2024, it wasn’t just another professional opportunity. It was personal.
“I grew up a Lakers fan, No. 1, so to come here and interview for the job was so surreal and like a dream,” Borrego told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. That moment, standing on the brink of leading the franchise he once idolized, was a full-circle experience for the 48-year-old coach.
Ultimately, the Lakers went in a different direction, naming JJ Redick as their next head coach. It was a bold move-Redick, a former player with no prior head coaching experience, brought a fresh perspective but also plenty of questions.
Had the decision swung the other way, Borrego would’ve stepped into a locker room featuring Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James. That’s not just a high-profile trio-it’s a mix of generational talent, rising stars, and veteran leadership that demands a steady hand and a strong voice.
And that’s where Borrego’s strengths lie. While his head coaching stint with the Charlotte Hornets didn’t yield playoff success, he’s widely respected for his basketball mind and his ability to connect with players. His time in Charlotte may not have delivered wins, but it helped shape his identity as a coach-one who commands respect, understands player development, and brings structure to a team in need of direction.
Now, Borrego finds himself in a different kind of challenge. After serving as associate head coach in New Orleans, he was elevated to interim head coach following the dismissal of Willie Green.
The Pelicans are off to a rough start this season, and the clock is ticking. Expectations were higher coming into the year, but the results haven’t followed.
Injuries, inconsistency, and a lack of cohesion have plagued the team early on.
Still, Borrego isn’t backing down. He’s not the type to fold under pressure, and he’s certainly not throwing in the towel on the season. His message to the locker room is clear: there’s still time to turn things around, but it’s going to take urgency, effort, and belief.
This isn’t the glitz and glamour of coaching the Lakers. It’s a grind.
But in many ways, it’s also a chance for Borrego to prove what kind of coach he really is. Because while the Lakers dream may have been deferred, the opportunity in New Orleans is real-and it’s happening right now.
For Borrego, the focus isn’t on what could’ve been. It’s on what comes next.