Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Jason Kidd has emerged as a new frontrunner for the New York Knicks coaching job after contract negotiations with former lead man Tom Thibodeau recently stalled, according to Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News.

Kidd is viewed as the conduit of several star players in the league, including his former pupil Giannis Antetokounmpo, who he forged into a force to be reckoned with during his time with the Milwaukee Bucks. However, there are also people within the Knicks organization who are skeptical of his coaching ability after what's been viewed as underwhelming stints with the Nets and Bucks.

If Kidd was to be hired, the front office would likely get a say into who his assistant coaches will be, with interim coach Mike Miller potentially being one of them.

“It’s basically to save Kidd from himself,” the source told Bondy.

Thibodeau has long been considered the top choice for the past four months, but a source said Knicks owner James Dolan has been unwilling to agree to his contract requests. While the possibility of an agreement between the two parties still exists, it would require a concession from either side to work.

Kidd already has a history of a nasty breakup with the Nets following his first year as a coach, one that forced the hand of ownership, resulting in him being traded to the Bucks in exchange for draft pick compensation.

The 6-foot-4 point guard spent his last playing days with the Knicks before hopping onto the coaching seat across the bridge in Brooklyn. The Knicks haven't been to the playoffs since Kidd was wearing the team's colors.