The Los Angeles Lakers held their introductory press conference for new head coach Frank Vogel on Monday, and LeBron James was in the building for the event.
Vogel talked to The Athletic's Joe Vardon about this opportunity to coach LeBron, and he admitted it was nice to see the Lakers superstar at the presser. However, Vogel also said it wouldn't have mattered much if James wasn't there:
“It was nice to see him show up, but I don’t think it would’ve meant anything if he wasn’t there,” Vogel said. “But it certainly falls in line with my idea that he and I are on the same page and we’re excited about working together.”
The Lakers hired Vogel after failed negotiations with former Cleveland Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue. There has been plenty of speculation about LeBron's role in the hiring process and what he thinks about Vogel, but the 34-year-old reportedly didn't have much say in the matter. And, according to Vardon, James respects Vogel after multiple playoff battles earlier this decade between the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers.
LeBron showing up to Vogel's intro presser would seem to be a sign of that respect, and Vogel clearly appreciated the gesture. It will be interesting to see how Vogel's tenure plays out, though, especially with Jason Kidd also on the bench acting as a potential coach-in-waiting if things go south.
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