New Orleans Pelicans interim head coach James Borrego revealed this week that he has been a lifelong Los Angeles Lakers fan. Borrego, who has spent more than two decades in the NBA, interviewed for the Lakers’ head coaching vacancy in the summer of 2024, ultimately losing out to J.J. Redick, but the experience left a lasting impression.
Borrego comes from the Gregg Popovich coaching tree and had built a solid head-coaching résumé by the time he pursued the Lakers job in 2024.
James Borrego Recalls “Surreal” Lakers Interview
Although the organization ultimately chose first-time coach in Redick, a decision that has paid off so far, Borrego said his experience in Los Angeles was nothing but positive. “There was a lot going on that summer, there were a lot of interviews that summer, I think. I grew up a Lakers fan, number one, so to come here and interview for the job was so surreal and like a dream,” Borrego said in his pregame press conference.
The Pelicans’ coach said he had no prior relationship with Lakers owner Jeanie Buss or general manager Rob Pelinka, but instantly felt a connection.
“I didn’t know Jeanie. I didn’t know Rob a whole lot, but my interaction with them was great. Just sitting there and talking basketball and life, finding common ground. It was great. Jeanie as well, she was phenomenal. Her support and love really resonated with me. I enjoyed getting to know them on a personal level, and I’m grateful for that opportunity,” he added.
Borrego entered the NBA in 2003 with the San Antonio Spurs as a video coordinator and assistant, contributing to championship runs in 2005 and 2007, as well as four Conference Finals appearances under Popovich.
He logged early head-coaching reps as Orlando’s interim for 30 games in 2014-15, going 10-20. Then he led the Charlotte Hornets from 2018-22, posting a 138-163 record and a .458 winning percentage.
After being dismissed by the Hornets, Borrego joined the New Orleans Pelicans’ staff in 2023. He was elevated to interim head coach last month following Willie Green’s firing after a 2–10 start.
New Orleans has shown some promise despite the turbulent start, with Derik Queen emerging as a potential standout and Jeremiah Fears showing flashes of scoring ability. However, the costly trade that sent away their unprotected 2026 first-round pick to the Hawks looms large, especially as the Pelicans could be headed for a top-three draft slot.
The situation worsened when Zion Williamson missed eight straight games. The team went 2–6 during that stretch, leading to Green’s dismissal and Borrego’s promotion. Since then, the Pelicans have managed only one additional win and currently sit at the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
New Orleans ranks near the league’s basement in both offensive and defensive efficiency. And while Queen, Fears, and Trey Murphy III offer hope, the roster is struggling to compete night-to-night, leaving Borrego with limited solutions and an uphill climb ahead.