Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy, who has helped LeBron James win two NBA championships, recently interviewed for the Washington Wizards open head coaching position.
“While he’s made no indication that he is leaving Los Angeles, he does have ambitions to be a head coach someday,” reported Kyle Goon of the Orange County Register. “Two people with knowledge of the situation told SCNG that Handy interviewed for the Washington Wizards head coaching job last month. More such interviews are likely in the coming years for a coach who has been on a number of winning staffs.”
Handy has won rings as part of the coaching staff for the Cleveland Cavaliers (2016), Toronto Raptors (2019), and Los Angeles Lakers (2020). In fact, the 2021 NBA Finals marks the first without Handy's presence since 2015.
In June, following the Lakers' Game 6 loss to the eventual Western Conference champion Phoenix Suns, Handy flexed his three rings as he acknowledged the end of his remarkable Finals streak.
“Plan facts #injuries are an unfortunate part of this game,” Handy wrote on Instagram. “I’ve been on both sides and know the affects. Let’s not get it twisted healthy @antdavis23 and @kingjames and it’s likely 7 straight. Moral of the story count your blessings it’s take #health and a bit of luck to win NBA titles. I will def enjoy my much needed break and continue to #shareknowledge on this great game that I love dearly.”
As Goon notes, Handy was credited with sparking the Cavs' unforgettable comeback from 3-1 down over the 73-win Golden State Warriors team in 2016, thanks to an impassioned halftime speech after Game 2.
Los Angeles hired Handy in large part due to his rapport with James, Frank Vogel said in October.
Handy is also considered to be one of the best skill developers in basketball.
Earlier this offseason, Handy posted a video of him conducting a workout with Lakers restricted free agent Talen Horton-Tucker and rapper/ex-Rwanda Patriot J. Cole.
The Los Angeles coaching staff has already undergone renovations this summer. Jason Kidd accepted the head coaching position with the Dallas Mavericks. Former New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale — who, like Handy, has won titles and developed a close bond with LeBron — will take his place. (Lakers assistant Lionel Hollins interviewed for the Portland Trail Blazers lead assistant job, but lost out on the gig to Scott Brooks, who previously interviewed to join the Lakers staff for 2021-22.)
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Denver Nuggets assistant Wes Unseld Jr. remains the top candidate to coach Russell Westbrook, Bradley Beal, and the Wizards in 2021-22.
Either way, expect to see Handy get his first NBA head coaching opportunity in the not-so-distant future.
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