The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly hired Frank Vogel as their head coach, with Jason Kidd agreeing to be his lead assistant.
Kidd's inclusion in the LA coaching staff is due to the fact that he was impressive during his interview. However, LA Times' Tania Ganguli reported that during the early stages of the franchise's coaching search, they had no intention of bringing him in.
Kidd, who had head coaching stints with Brooklyn and Milwaukee, interviewed for the Lakers’ job in April. While it was considered a favor, according to people with knowledge of the situation, he impressed the Lakers’ front office enough that they wanted him on the staff of whomever they hired.
In fact, the Los Angeles front office was so impressed by Kidd that they asked then-top coaching candidate Tyronn Lue to include him in his coaching staff. Of course, that deal fell apart, but the Purple and Gold remained invested in the former All-Star guard — which is the reason why he is expected to join Vogel's crew.
Kidd's coaching stint with the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks have been underwhelming, so it is a bit surprising that he was able to gain the trust of the Lakers' front office. It is believed that one of his main responsibilities will be to mentor Lonzo Ball, who's skillset as a point guard has been compared to his in the past.
He is also expected to work closely with Vogel as they plan to make the Lakers a defensive-minded team.
Follow Us
Subscribe