Ever since Dan Hurley turned down the Los Angeles Lakers to stay as the head coach of the UConn basketball program, it seemed inevitable that JJ Redick would be the choice to fill the role, but with the Detroit Pistons moving on from Monty Williams on Wednesday, that opens up another option for the Lakers, and ESPN's Stephen A. Smith advocated for the franchise exploring that option on First Take.

“I know we've been talking a lot about JJ Redick, but with Monty Williams available, that is a situation that the Los Angeles Lakers should look at,” Stephen A. Smith said on First Take. “So I would definitely say that as well. They should at it. Obviously Jeanie Buss, you know how much I love Jeanie Buss. I'm rooting for her to find the right person for the job. Respect Rob Pelinka what he's going to do. And yes I respect Kurt Rambis too. I was joking around about him earlier, but I respect him too. So listen, they're all going to be a part of the process and we'll see what happens, and I think Monty Williams definitely should be a candidate for that job.”

After Dan Hurley turned the Lakers down, it seemed like it would be between JJ Redick and James Borrego, the New Orleans Pelicans assistant coach who is also in the running for the Cleveland Cavaliers job. Now, Williams enters the conversation as an intriguing candidate. It will be interesting to see when this coaching search wraps up for the Lakers.

Would Monty Williams take the Lakers head coaching job?

With Williams now available after being let go by the Pistons, it will be interesting to see if the Lakers do express any interest in him as their next head coach. Williams has $65 million left on his deal with the Pistons, despite being dismissed. Due to that, Williams does not necessarily have to rush to take a job. However, taking the Lakers head coaching job and coaching a team with more established players like LeBron James (likely), Anthony Davis and others, could be a situation that suits him more. The Lakers are a draw in themselves as well, despite Hurley turning them down.

Hurley, by all accounts, nearly accepted the Lakers job, and it was a hard decision for him. Given the amount of money it took for Williams to take the Pistons job, it might take a significant offer from the Lakers to land his services as well.

However, if the Lakers do show interest in Williams, it could be the best opportunity that he would have in the foreseeable future, given how bad the one year in Detroit went.

Regardless, it will be worth monitoring what happens with the Lakers' search and if Williams' name emerges in the next few days.