After another disappointing season, the Los Angeles Lakers fired head coach Luke Walton and are now looking for a replacement. Many names have been suggested, but news broke on Tuesday that former Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd interviewed for the position.
Previous reports listed Kidd as a potential favorite. However, according to latest speculations, he might not even be under serious consideration at all.
Per Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times:
The Lakers also interviewed Jason Kidd for the position on Monday, according to the same people. Pelinka and senior basketball advisor Kurt Rambis conducted the interview. Rambis returned to the organization last summer. He is married to Linda Rambis, the Lakers’ director of special projects who is Buss’ closest confidante.
Kidd is not expected to have a serious shot at the Lakers’ job — a position that some in the organization felt he was campaigning for during the season.
Jason Kidd coached the Brooklyn Nets from 2013-14 before the Bucks acquired his rights in exchange for two draft picks. He led Milwaukee to the playoffs in 2015 and 2017. However, he was fired after the team sputtered to start the 2017-18 season.
The Lakers were connected to Kidd ever since it became apparent that Walton would not return. Kidd stated his interest in the job in late March, and as recently as April 9, a report surfaced suggesting Los Angeles had reached out to him. Nonetheless, as of now, the two do not look like a clean fit.
The Lakers coaching job won't be an easy one. Expectations are always high in Los Angeles, and even more so since the addition of superstar LeBron James. Another disappointing season likely won't be tolerated, and the new head coach could be on a very short leash.
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