Los Angeles Lakers fans can breathe a sigh of relief … reportedly.
According to veteran NBA insider Marc Stein, Mark Jackson is unlikely to be the next head coach of the Lakers, despite LeBron James' supposed fandom of the former point guard, Golden State Warriors head coach, and veteran broadcaster.
Here's what Stein wrote in his latest Substack column:
“…while Jackson appears to have his best shot with Sacramento at an NBA head coaching job since his dismissal in Golden State after the 2013-14 season, Jackson's prospects with the Lakers don't appear nearly as robust — even with the perceived support of Lakers star LeBron James.”
On Monday, Stein wrote that “Jackson is indeed on the Lakers' list if he doesn't get the Sacramento job, but I don't get the sense — yet — that he has a strong chance in L.A.”
No word if Phil Jackson has been consulted on the matter.
In April, The Athletic's Sam Amick reported that LeBron “would be very enthused” by the prospect of playing for Jackson. LeBron pushed the Cleveland Cavaliers to consider Jackson in 2016 — to no avail.
Jackson has interviewed for multiple jobs since being let go by the Warriors in 2015. His stock undoubtedly took a hit after Steve Kerr immediately ushered Golden State to two titles and enabled Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green to revolutionize basketball. Jackson also found himself at the center of numerous unflattering controversies, prompting Warriors owner Joe Lacob to flat out claim that “he couldn’t get along with anybody else in the organization…200 people.”
Jackson posted a 121-109 record over three seasons (2012-14) with Golden State and went 9-10 in the playoffs.
The Lakers are conducting a slow-moving and extensive search for a replacement for Frank Vogel — and the right person to steward the final years of LeBron James' championship window. At exit interviews, Rob Pelinka said the Lakers are looking for a “strong voice” to command stars and hopes to have a new coach in place before the NBA Draft on June 23.
The Lakers (and Charlotte Hornets) were granted permission to interview Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach Darvin Ham.
Stein added to Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer's latest roundup of intel on the coaching front, as both noted that Jackson seems to be the favorite to be the next head coach of the Sacramento Kings. So, congrats to him?
Follow Us
Subscribe