Colin Cowherd believes that LeBron James is turning the Los Angeles Lakers into a Western Conference version of his Cleveland Cavaliers team in the past.
Cowherd made the assessment after seeing the list of potential coaching candidates for the Lakers next season. The list includes Juwan Howard, Tyronn Lue, Luke Walton, Jason Kidd, Derek Fisher, David Fizdale, Mark Jackson, Brian Shaw, and Jeff Van Gundy.
The veteran sports broadcaster pointed out that all of the possible candidates mentioned are coaches who could get along with James. Cowherd said that Lakers president Magic Johnson once promised that the Lakers will not be like the Cavaliers, as they will not hand the franchise to LeBron.
However, Cowherd insisted that their previous moves are clear proof that Johnson is already giving into what LeBron wants for the franchise. He cited the decision to sign Rajon Rondo and acquire Tyson Chandler. Both players are not exactly good fit for the Lakers. Cowherd said they were signed because both would get along with James.
For Cowherd, it seems the mindset of Johnson is to hire coaches and get players who will be liked by James. It was well publicized that James had a lot of leverage in terms of player and personnel movements during his time with the Cavaliers – both in his first and second stint with the franchise.
LeBron is actually turning LA into Cleveland pic.twitter.com/jKcUgSb1G3
— Colin Cowherd (@ColinCowherd) April 4, 2019
James, who signed a four-year deal worth $153.3 million contract with the Lakers this season, will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2005 and after eight straight trips to the NBA Finals. Because of their failed campaign this season, the Lakers are expected to make major moves in the offseason to turn their fortunes around next season.
Follow Us
Subscribe