The Los Angeles Lakers have been methodically conducting their head coaching search since firing Darvin Ham earlier this spring. It’s a pivotal hire for GM Rob Pelinka as the franchise looks to retain LeBron James and return to title contention. However, a surprise development around the NBA could seriously complicate LA’s pursuit of its top candidates. In this article we talk about NBA News Throws a Wrench in Lakers’ Head Coach Search.
According to MSN, on Thursday, the Cleveland Cavaliers unexpectedly parted ways with head coach J.B. Bickerstaff despite his 99 wins over the past two seasons. This shocking move adds another vacancy to the market, potentially setting up the Lakers and Cavs to compete for the same crop of candidates.
Several Names Linked to Both Openings
Even before Cleveland’s move, a few prominent names had already been connected to both the Lakers and Cavaliers’ job openings. Former Nets coach Kenny Atkinson has been frequently mentioned for LA’s position and now will likely also garner interest from the Cavs given his history coaching Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen in Brooklyn.
Former NBA guard and current Milwaukee assistant Charles Lee was reported as a strong Lakers candidate but insider Marc Stein listed him as a name to watch in Cleveland too.
And most glaringly, respected veteran assistant Sam Cassell was seen as a leading contender for the Lakers before the Cavs opening emerged. Stein labeled him as another potential target for Cleveland.
With both teams seemingly high on similar candidates, their head coaching searches could become a case of musical chairs.
How It Impacts the Lakers
For the Lakers, having the coveted Cleveland job open throws a wrench into their meticulous process. The franchise risks losing out to the Cavs for its top options if Cleveland moves swiftly to fill its vacancy first.
It could force LA to expedite its timeline and make a hire sooner than planned. Or the competition may prompt them to cast a wider net and consider other candidates previously not at the top of their list.
The franchise is also juggling potential trades and other key free agencies. Not having a new coach in place sooner rather than later could hinder LA’s ability to maneuver effectively this offseason.
So while the Lakers may have preferred a more patient, calculated approach, the NBA news out of Cleveland could force their hand. Missing out on their top candidates would be a major blow for a franchise trying to maximize its championship window with an aging LeBron James. I sincerely hope you find this “NBA News Throws a Wrench in Lakers’ Head Coach Search – Full Story” article helpful.