Lakers' next coach? Here's a rundown of the potential candidates.

Atkinson, in particular, impressed some in the Lakers' front office during their last coaching search.

Lue, of course, would be a primary target should he become available (and probably the same for Jason Kidd), but he's got a job and, possibly soon, a contract extension.

Mike Budenholzer, Ham's former boss in Milwaukee and Atlanta, is expected to fetch the biggest coaching contract this offseason should he take a new job.

Other former head coaches who have lead bench roles around the NBA include Scott Brooks and James Borrego.

The redo

The Lakers could buck their hiring trends and again try to find an established assistant coach ready to take on an elevated role.

Denver's David Adelman has had a front-row seat for the Lakers' issues with the Nuggets and has fans inside the Lakers' front office.

Minnesota assistant Micah Nori is about to take on a prominent role after Timberwolves coach Chris Finch suffered a knee injury in his team's sweep against Phoenix.

Boston assistant Charles Lee worked with Ham in Milwaukee and has been regarded as a top coaching prospect who is considered a top candidate in Charlotte. Celtics assistant Sam Cassell has interviewed for top jobs as well.

Dallas' Sean Sweeney is also seen as a strong future head coach, and Mavericks assistant Jared Dudley is very close with Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Miami's Chris Quinn is also highly thought of in league circles.

Going this route again — while acknowledging there is no time for a learning curve with James and Davis anchoring the core — probably isn't the ideal option.

But, it could end up being the best one if the Lakers don't find a guy with experience.

The wild card

One name that's had some steam behind it early in the process belongs to TV analyst JJ Redick.

Redick, who's name surfaced in regard to the Charlotte opening, is a strong enough basketball mind in James' book that the two partnered together for a podcast about on-floor strategy.

Redick has never coached in the NBA, though. And again, the Lakers are entering a period of real urgency.