Los Angeles Lakers coach Frank Vogel remains unfazed by rumors swirling around claiming his future with the team has become uncertain.
The Lakers‘ underwhelming run this season has people speculating that Vogel is likely to be fired soon.
However, after the Lakers' stunning 117-92 win over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday, Vogel revealed that out of necessity, he had to “light a fire under his team,” implying that he will now be more imposing as a coach.
“Every now and then the coach has to light a fire under his team,” Vogel said via The Athletic. “And today (against the Kings) was one of those games.”
Vogel was referring to the fiery speech he gave the Lakers during halftime against the Kings. Further divulging what the coach said, Dwight Howard revealed, “His whole point was, ‘Stop talking about wanting to win a championship and not giving the correct effort.'”
If recent reports are to be true, there have been widespread rumors basically stating that the Lakers are now considering making certain changes in the team. And while player trades and acquisitions certainly are the top two resolutions, the Lakers are believed to be keen on reassessing their coaching staff. In simpler terms, the pressure is now mounting on Vogel.
As things stand, it appears that Vogel's halftime speech against the Kings worked. The Lakers have now improved their record to 12-11, registering a .522 winning percentage. They are now sitting at the seventh spot in the Western Conference standings.