Nearly two weeks ago, the Los Angeles Lakers fired head coach Darvin Ham after two seasons–which ultimately resulted in two eliminations by the Denver Nuggets.
The Lakers are still matriculating through the head coaching search, but they have gained permission to interview longtime Heat assistant Chris Quinn, ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski confirmed Wednesday. This confirms a previous report from Heat insider Greg Sylvander of the Five Reasons Sports Network, who stated the Lakers were interested in Quinn on Saturday, May 11.
Lakers will interview Heat assistant Chris Quinn…but our #OTF community knew that days ago.
More intel coming on #OffTheFloor https://t.co/lQ57tOOjq0
— Greg Sylvander (@GregSylvander) May 15, 2024
According to Wojnarowski, the Lakers have gotten permission to interview former Hornets head coach and current Pelicans assistant James Borrego, Boston’s Sam Cassell, Minnesota’s Micah Nori and Denver’s David Adelman.
The Lakers secured permission to interview Miami assistant Chris Quinn too, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/Z8ZWVxedQz
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 15, 2024
Quinn, 40, is the longest-tenured assistant under head coach Erik Spoelstra. He was previously granted opportunities to interview for the Milwaukee Bucks head coaching gig (that went to Adrian Griffin) after last season, as well as the Utah Jazz’s job that went to Will Hardy ahead of 2022-23. He was also listed as a candidate for this most recent Hornets opening that eventually went to Boston assistant Charles Lee, the Pistons opening that went to Monty Williams and the Indiana Pacers’ job that went to Nate Bjorkgren–who was fired after one season–ahead of the 2020-21 season.
Thus, this isn’t the first rodeo–nor may it be the last–for Chris Quinn, a respected assistant throughout the league.
Los Angeles’ job could be enticing because of LeBron James’ long-time respect for Spoelstra and his staff. Though James and Quinn never crossed paths, with Quinn joining the Heat ahead of the 2014-15 season–the year James went back home to Cleveland after four seasons with Miami–after one season as an assistant at Northwestern.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, current ESPN NBA analyst and 15-year NBA veteran J.J. Redick is “considered” a favorite to earn the gig, though the decision may not be made until after the NBA Finals, which begin in mid-June.
Thus, it could be a long-winded process for Los Angeles. Quinn played six seasons in the NBA with the Heat, New Jersey Nets, San Antonio Spurs and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Should Miami need to replace Quinn–assuming he secures the Lakers’ gig, or another that becomes available–the Heat have brought in former players as assistants (i.e. Malik Allen, Caron Butler, Wayne Ellington). Who do you think could be the next name? Let us know in the comments!
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Bron’s not gonna approve of him 😆
Goran Dragic.
????
Should Miami need to replace Quinn–assuming he secures the Lakers’ gig, or another that becomes available–the Heat have brought in former players as assistants (i.e. Malik Allen, Caron Butler, Wayne Ellington). Who do you think could be the next name? Let us know in the comments!

Goran Dragic.
I missed that.
Goran is in Slovenia, preparing his summer farewell ceremony. With Jokic, Doncic, Giannis, Butler and more NBA players attended.
Good luck Quinny! If you go to LA, send LeBron back here. Thank you.