At this point in the season, the Los Angeles Lakers parting ways with Frank Vogel feels all but inevitable. Someone has to take the blame for what has been a disastrous season for LA this term and unfortunately for him, it appears that coach Vogel is going to serve as the scapegoat.

Several candidates have already been rumored to be on the Lakers' shortlist if and when they fire Vogel. Doc Rivers of the Sixers, who could be on the hot seat if Philly fails to make a significant run in the postseason, has been linked. The same can be said for Quin Snyder of the Jazz, who could also be replaced depending on Utah's performance in the playoffs.

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One rather surprising name that is now being linked as the next coach of LeBron James and the Lakers is none other than NBA legend Juwan Howard. While it may sound unlikely, Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus suggests that there could be some truth behind these rumors:

The Lakers do not seem interested in saddling a first-time coach with championship expectations. That may not apply to Juwan Howard, who has ties to Pelinka and James, was an assistant with the Miami Heat and previously interviewed with the franchise in 2019. While the Lakers may have interest in Howard, it's unclear if he's open to leaving Michigan with two of his sons on next year's roster.

Howard has been making a name for himself as the head coach for the Michigan basketball program. He has no experience in the NBA as a head coach, but in the unlikely case that the Lakers were to hire a first-year coach, then Howard would definitely fit the bill.

As the above report states, Howard has a relationship with both Rob Pelinka and LeBron James. The former All-Star big man actually played alongside LeBron in Miami during the Heat's Big 3 era. Howard won two titles in Miami with LeBron and their bond as teammates could play a key role in his candidacy.

Assuming that the Lakers actually part ways with Frank Vogel this summer, more than a few names will pop up as a possible replacement up and until the team actually hires a new coach. It goes without saying that it's going to be a very interesting offseason for the purple and gold.