The Los Angeles Lakers are looking for a new coach after firing Frank Vogel following their terrible 2021-22 season. However, don't expect the LeBron James-led Purple and Gold franchise to hire anyone any time soon.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Lakers are searching for a coach who can get James to “buy in,” which means the next LA coach needs to have that reputation and credentials of winning at the highest level. Of course looking for that “right coach” is easier said than done given how limited the options are.

“The search for Vogel's successor is widely expected to move slower than most because the Lakers need to find an established coach who can win LeBron James' buy-in,” Stein wrote. “The most capable coaches are obviously employed elsewhere already.”

There has been plenty of talks on who could possibly replace Frank Vogel as Lakers coach. Utah Jazz tactician Quin Snyder has been at the forefront of all the buzz, with LA reportedly “very serious” in pursuing him.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Rudy Gobert photoshopped in Lakers jersey
Lakers trade proposal for Rudy Gobert lands coveted center at a steep priceBailey Bassett ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) looks on before a game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers’ Luka Doncic gets 100% real on his passion for basketballJoey Mistretta ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter.
Lakers’ LeBron James will love Luka Doncic’s Mind the Game moveJosh Davis ·
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts after a three point shot against the Indiana Pacers in the first quarter during game five of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
Bill Simmons drops Lakers conspiracy theory to give Knicks fans hopeJulian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) leave a court after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 94-85 in game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
LeBron James, Luka Doncic give Lakers their own unique 2-timeline issueAnthony Irwin ·
Feb 28, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) defends LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) during the fourth quarter at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
NBA rumors: LeBron James, James Harden potential free agency departures unlikelyZachary Draves ·

Mark Jackson is another name on the Lakers' radar, though if LA wants him and still move slowly, they could lose him to the Sacramento Kings who are zeroing on the former Golden State Warriors coach.

Mike Brown is also in the discussions as potential Lakers head coaches. However, there are a few others the team is reportedly considering, such as Scott Brooks, Nick Nurse and Terry Stotts.

It is still unknown who the Lakers plan to hire or if they have any preference. But one thing is clear: LeBron James will have a major influence in making that hiring decision.