After a brutal season which left them out of the playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers parted ways with head coach Frank Vogel and began a new head coaching search. Initially, the Lakers seemed to be making progress. Now, reports are emerging that there is a disagreement in the search between Lebron James and other sectors of the front office.
Early reports state that the Lakers concluded on three finalists to take the helm: Milwaukee Bucks assistant Darvin Ham, ex-Portland Trail Blazers boss Terry Stotts and former Brooklyn Nets HC Kenny Atkinson. A Western Conference executive told Sean Deveney that Ham is the favorite amongst former Lakers who had been brought in to guide the search.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7LkPmnLI6ocyR5HfvBHxid?si=379a304102734b04
However, it doesn't seem as though everyone is on the same page.
“If LeBron could pick,” the executive said, “it’s pretty certain he’d pick Doc.”
If true, there is an apparent rift between the Lakers' front office majority and key figures on the team. The report states that Lakers GM Rob Pelinka may also prefer the Philadelphia 76ers head coach.
Philly GM Daryl Morey has remained adamant that the Sixers will retain Doc Rivers for the time being. Regardless, it's hard to deny Rivers' connection to LA. He coached the Clippers for seven seasons and owns a home in the city.
A lack of continuity on the Lakers first choice is what led to Vogel being hired, so a similar situation playing out may be troubling for Lakers fans. LeBron James has been known to have a great deal of influence on front offices. Time will tell if that influence will result in the right decision being made.
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