In all likelihood, the Los Angeles Lakers will be in the market for a new head coach this summer.

On Tuesday, Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer reported what has been speculated for months: The Lakers are likely to part ways with Frank Vogel after the season. Vogel, who led Los Angeles to the 2019-20 NBA championship in the bubble, has one year left on his contract.

Despite the flawed roster around him, he will inevitably shoulder a portion of the blame for the disastrous 2021-22 season. The Athletic previously reported that Vogel was nearly let go in January and will be fired if the Lakers don't embark on a miraculous playoff run — a near-impossibility.

Fischer listed a slew of familiar names as possible replacements for Vogel, including Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder, Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers, Mike Brown, Steve Clifford, and even (gulp) Kurt Rambis, who holds an opaque but mighty role atop the Lakers' organization (Fischer wrote that Rambis may be too “integral” to the front office to leave his post — a notion that will nauseate Lakers fans.)

Timing will be a key aspect of the coaching search. The Lakers are facing another personnel overhaul, and LeBron James is eligible to sign a two-year extension on Aug. 4. Will the Lakers nab a coach before embarking on their transactions, or wait to hire a candidate who fits their revised roster? The 2021-22 squad suffered from a discrepancy between Vogel's preferred style and their offense-heavy roster.

Here are five candidates for Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka to consider. Spoiler: Rambis, who owns a 72-273 career coaching record, nor Rivers, will be on this list — but don't rule them out.

5) Mike Brown

Brown wouldn't excite the fanbase, considering his forgettable stint as Lakers skipper from 2011-13 (42-29 record), culminating in his firing five games into the 2012-13 season (Jim Buss operated differently than Jeanie). But, like players, coaches improve. Brown — who led LeBron and the Cleveland Cavaliers to the 2007 Finals — has spent six seasons alongside Steve Kerr as the defensive coordinator for the Golden State Warriors. He also serves as head coach of the Nigerian national team.

It's hard to imagine that Brown hasn't made strides as a coach since his last NBA head gig — as Jason Kidd seemed to do during his two seasons under Vogel.

4) Steve Clifford

Clifford would not be the sexiest hire, but perhaps that's just what the Lakers need (ultimately, the unsexy Vogel hire paid dividends). Clifford, 60, is a defensive guru who has had success coaching vets and youngsters in his 20 years on NBA sidelines, including eight as a head coach. He revived the Charlotte Hornets and even led the Orlando Magic to consecutive postseason appearances. At the bare minimum, he's utterly competent.

3) Quin Snyder

Snyder's stock is not exactly surging as the Jazz plummet down the Western Conference standings and their locker room unravels. That said, the Lakers sorely lacked a cohesive and consistent offensive system this season, and Snyder certainly offers that.

The Lakers like to hire folks — across departments — familiar to the organization. Snyder served as a Lakers assistant in 2011-12. (Vogel worked as an advance scout for the Lakers in 2005-06.) Along with Rivers, Snyder has been the most common name linked to the potentially open Lakers job. He recently declined to comment on the rumors out of respect for the Jazz and Vogel.

2) Phil Jackson

Just kidding. But don't presume Jeanie hasn't at least gauged the interest of her ex-fiance, with whom she still consults on basketball matters. On that note, don't be shocked if names like Brian Shaw, Derek Fisher, Byron Scott, or other former Lakers pop up. Current assistants David Fizdale, Phil Handy and John Lucas III may receive consideration, too.

Speaking of high-profile, Hall of Fame coaches — would the Lakers dare call John Calipari? He would represent the splashiest possible hire and could be a personality match for Tinseltown. He has personal ties to LeBron James and Klutch.

2) Sam Cassell

Rivers is probably the favorite to get the job — considering his name recognition, experience with veterans and stars, and his time in the Los Angeles market. However, his lead assistant in Philly might be a better option.

Cassell has emerged as one of the hottest names on the coaching front. After a distinguished 15-year playing career, Cassell has paid his dues on various staffs over the past 13 years, including the Los Angeles Clippers, Washington Wizards, and Sixers. He's earned plaudits for establishing rapport with players and shepherding the development of guards such as John Wall and Tyrese Maxey.

We know LeBron is a fan of his infamous celebration.

One wild card, speaking of point guards: Rajon Rondo. Rondo was a key member of the Lakers' 2020 title run and the organization brought him back for the start of this season. He's particularly tight with Anthony Davis.

Rondo's playing days are nearing an end, but he's considered a future coaching candidate, due to his basketball IQ, film room prowess, and his own stated desire to leap into coaching. When he's not in the game, he's on his feet, roaming the sidelines as a de facto assistant. We've seen a handful of former point guards, such as Fisher, Kidd, and Steve Nash get tapped for head gigs without prior coaching experience.

1) Kenny Atkinson

Atkinson was abruptly fired by the Brooklyn Nets in 2020, reportedly due to philosophical disagreements with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.

Atkinson, mow a Warriors assistant, displayed impressive developmental and tactical chops during his Nets tenure, including leading a young, frisky, and star-less 2018-19 squad to a surprise playoff berth. Brooklyn's record improved in each of Atkinson's four seasons in charge, as he steered the franchise through a quicker-than-expected rebuild.

The Lakers need to get younger, but they'll still be a veteran-laden unit in 2022-23. Atkinson may not be the best fit in that sense, but his acumen stretches beyond player development. He's a noted workhorse and a widely respected basketball junkie with a modern, malleable approach to the sport. He recently worked as an assistant coach for the Clippers, so he has Los Angeles experience.