As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to move on from the Luke Walton era, they seem to have started their head coaching search already, with the team preparing to meet with a group of possible candidates in the coming weeks.

According to ESPN insider Ramona Shelburne, the Lakers have received permission to speak to Juwan Howard about possibly joining the team as a head coach, with a plan to interview him set for next week.

Howard, who played 19 years in the NBA, is no stranger to playing with and interacting with LeBron James. After retiring with the Miami Heat in 2013, Howard has been a part of Erik Spoelstra’s coaching staff ever since.

According to many throughout the league, Howard has developed a good reputation throughout the league, with the former player even interviewing for the Detroit Pistons’ coaching job last season.

After Luke Walton and Magic Johnson parted from the Lakers earlier this week, the team is suddenly in a much more tumultuous situation than they previously were. As general manager Rob Pelinka is likely staying on in his role, it’ll be up to him and the Lakers’ ownership to right the ship now hat was a disastrous season for the Lakers.

After starting the season on a bit of a slump, the Lakers finally looked to get things going, but an injury to LeBron James and Lonzo Ball derailed any plans of chemistry for the team.

They skidded their way to the end of the season, finishing 37-45 and missing out on the playoffs once again.