Frank Vogel had his introductory press conference as the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, and Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said that Vogel checked all of the boxes for the franchise in their coaching search:
Pelinka: “It became very clear to us…that Frank had all the qualities we were looking for as a leader.”
Pelinka added that Vogel made an impact at the dry-erase board with X’s and O’s while discussing the Lakers roster during his interview.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) May 20, 2019
Vogel last coached in the NBA with the Orlando Magic during the 2017-18 campaign, but he is most known for his five and a half year tenure with the Indiana Pacers.
The 45-year-old took over as head coach of the Pacers midway through the 2010-11 campaign, and during his time at the helm, he posted an overall record of 250-181 and led Indiana to the playoffs in each of his first four years as coach. He also led Indy to back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals appearances in 2013 and 2014.
Vogel was then fired at the end of the 2015-16 campaign after the Pacers were eliminated in seven games by the Toronto Raptors. Indiana had missed the postseason the year before, thanks mostly to the gruesome Paul George leg injury.
Vogel then went on to coach the Orlando Magic for two seasons, going just 54-110.
He is being asked to replace Luke Walton, whom Los Angeles parted ways with after three seasons. The Lakers won just 37 games this year.
Editor's note: This article initially stated that Frank Vogel was fired by the Indiana Pacers after the 2014-15 season. Vogel was actually fired after the 2015-16 season. The article has been corrected.
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