James Borrego Opens Up About Missing the Lakers Job and Finding Clarity With the Pelicans

James Borrego and the Coaching Opportunity That Rekindled His Childhood Dream

Coaching paths in the NBA often feature unpredictable turns, moments of introspection and opportunities that feel bigger than the sport itself. For James Borrego, the Lakers head coach opening during the offseason became one of those rare emotional crossroads. Although he ultimately did not secure the position, his reflections provide a compelling look into the mindset of a veteran coach confronted with a dream he never expected to revisit.

Borrego describes the Lakers interview process as surreal. Growing up watching the team and admiring its legends, he never imagined sitting across from the Lakers front office and discussing strategies, system changes and leadership philosophies. Even now, he frames the experience as a blend of nostalgia and professional validation.

The conversations he held with team executives reminded him of how far he had come as a coach and how deeply he still values the process of building a winning program. Though the final outcome did not align with his hopes, the journey itself left a lasting imprint on him.

Inside the Lakers Interview Process and Its Emotional Weight

Borrego explains that the interview process was far more extensive than many might assume. He engaged in deep discussions about roster balance, defensive principles, player development and long term organizational vision. These conversations were not simple evaluations of his resume but meaningful exchanges about the direction of the franchise.

That emotional resonance came partly from his personal history. As a childhood fan of the Lakers, stepping into the role of a potential head coach candidate reconnected him with memories of watching the team dominate the league. The sense of being considered seriously by a franchise he admired from afar created an emotional mixture of excitement and disbelief.

While some would brush off the disappointment of not receiving an offer, Borrego acknowledges that the final decision came with a moment of introspection. Still, he insists the experience was overwhelmingly positive and left him energized rather than discouraged.

A Look Back at Borrego’s Coaching Journey in the NBA

To understand why the Lakers seriously considered Borrego, it is important to explore his coaching foundation. His career began in the early 2000s under Gregg Popovich with the San Antonio Spurs. Those years proved instrumental in shaping his coaching identity. He learned how to manage egos in the locker room, communicate a clear message and adapt to the evolving pace and spacing of modern basketball.

From San Antonio, Borrego transitioned to roles in Orlando and New Orleans before receiving his first head coach opportunity with the Charlotte Hornets. His years in Charlotte showcased his ability to uplift a struggling roster. Under his leadership, the Hornets posted consistent improvement and developed a clearer offensive structure.

Borrego emphasizes that each of these experiences refined his approach to preparation, player communication and the incorporation of analytics. These lessons helped him stand out during the Lakers search and continue to guide his decisions today with the Pelicans.

Why the Lakers Ultimately Chose JJ Redick

The Lakers front office ultimately selected JJ Redick to fill the vacant position. Redick’s media presence, sharp analytical commentary and on court experience contributed to the decision. His communication style resonated with the modern NBA environment where transparency, strategic insight and relatability often weigh as heavily as traditional coaching credentials.

Some in the basketball community questioned whether Redick’s personal connections within the league influenced the decision. Others argued that his perspective as a former player aligned well with the current Lakers roster. Regardless of the external noise, Borrego maintains a professional stance. He respects the organization’s decision and believes the franchise made the choice that aligned most closely with its internal vision.

While losing the job stung, Borrego does not dwell on what might have been. He prefers to view the situation as an important chapter in his career, one that strengthened his resolve and helped clarify the direction he wishes to pursue moving forward.

Why Borrego Says He Has No Regrets

Despite the emotional weight of the moment, Borrego remains clear about one thing. He holds no regrets about participating in the Lakers interview process. He values the time he spent discussing coaching philosophies and building rapport with the front office.

He believes the process pushed him to refine his coaching identity. It encouraged him to articulate his vision more clearly and reinforced his understanding of how he wants to lead. Borrego says that even though he did not secure the job, the experience helped him grow personally and professionally.

He also emphasizes that opportunities in the NBA come and go. The key is to stay ready, stay grounded and recognize the growth that occurs even when outcomes do not align with expectations.

Stepping Into His New Role With the New Orleans Pelicans

After the Lakers decision, Borrego turned his full attention to the New Orleans Pelicans. The team entered the season facing questions about consistency, injury management and overall identity. Borrego’s presence brought a balanced and composed voice into the locker room.

He understands the importance of building trust with players and creating a system that utilizes their strengths. His approach focuses on communication, accountability and maximizing the talent of stars such as Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. Beyond the marquee names, he pays close attention to role players, believing that depth and stability often determine long term success.

For Borrego, the Pelicans offer both a challenge and an opportunity. He sees potential in the roster and is committed to shaping the team into a more disciplined and cohesive unit. This commitment, he says, grew stronger after the Lakers experience helped him clarify what kind of leader he wants to be.

What the Lakers Decision Means for the Future of NBA Coaching

The Lakers choice to hire a first time coach like Redick highlights a broader trend in the NBA. Teams appear increasingly willing to experiment with unconventional backgrounds when selecting new leaders. A strong personal brand, communication skills with players and the ability to break down strategy in modern ways can now elevate candidates who lack years of sideline experience.

This does not mean traditional coaching paths will fade. Coaches like Borrego bring invaluable perspectives developed through years of in game decision making, scouting and player management. Still, the landscape is shifting. The Lakers decision serves as a reminder that organizations weigh many factors, not just coaching history, when selecting a leader.

Borrego views this evolution as part of the natural progression of the sport. He believes that while every coach has a unique journey, what matters most is authenticity, consistency and the ability to form real connections inside the locker room.

How the Experience Continues to Shape Borrego Moving Forward

Even months after the coaching search concluded, the experience remains significant for Borrego. He describes it as a chapter that reaffirmed his ambitions, sharpened his focus and strengthened his determination to improve as a coach.

With the Pelicans, he now channels what he learned into everyday decisions. He believes his renewed clarity will help him guide the team through challenges and build a culture rooted in trust and purpose.

Borrego’s reflections offer an important message. They remind coaches, players and fans that careers are not defined solely by wins and losses or job titles won and lost. Growth often emerges from moments of uncertainty, and resilience carries more weight than a single opportunity.

A Coach Who Continues to Grow Through Every Chapter

James Borrego’s story is not one of disappointment. It is a story of rediscovery, perspective and personal evolution. The Lakers interview rekindled memories of the passion that first drew him into the sport. The final outcome, while not what he hoped for, gave him space to evaluate his strengths, reexamine his goals and return to the Pelicans with renewed purpose.

His journey demonstrates that every chapter in a coaching career contributes to long term development. Some chapters bring triumph, others bring introspection, but all carry meaning. Borrego now moves ahead with a clear vision, a grounded mindset and a deeper understanding of who he is as a leader.

For the Pelicans, this clarity may become one of the most valuable assets in their pursuit of sustained success. For Borrego, it marks the beginning of a new phase defined by confidence, growth and resilience.