ESPN color commentator Mark Jackson believes Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel lucked into a rather easy gig prior to the 2019-20 campaign.
With the Lakers up big in Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat on Sunday, the subject of Vogel's mentorship came into light.
Jackson seemed ticked off when his colleague Mike Breen offered praises for Vogel, claiming that the Lakers bench boss had it easy since he had two of the best players on the planet in LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Mark Jackson saying Frank Vogel didn't take on a difficult job because he got the chance to coach LeBron James. JVG claps back with some more nuance
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) October 12, 2020
His fellow commentator Jeff Van Gundy, however, was not buying Mark Jackson's narrative and defended Vogel's ability to manage two superstars and several veterans.
Several Twitter users quickly noted that Jackson might be feeling a bit jealous given how his head coaching career turned out.
Mark Jackson said because of LeBron and AD, Frank Vogel coaching the Lakers hasn’t been a difficult job. Huh!?
Egos, underwhelming play from supporting cast, trip to China, Kobe’s death, the Bubble and Jason Kidd right there…
Jeff Van Gundy is right. Vogel’s been phenomenal.
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) October 12, 2020
Interesting to hear Mark Jackson play down Vogel's work in LA.
Success never guaranteed, even when you have LeBron & AD.
Task also made tougher by coronavirus/Orlando bubble.
Vogel deserves a lot of credit for bring this team together.#NBAFinals #LakeShow
— Sacha Pisani (@Sachk0) October 12, 2020
Mark Jackson saying Vogul's job isn't difficult lmaooooooo boyyyyyy
— David Dennis Jr. (@DavidDTSS) October 12, 2020
Jackson, of course, handled the then upstart Golden State Warriors team led by Stephen Curry before they turned into a dynasty. He was let go in 2014 and the reins (and credit) were given to Steve Kerr.
Frank Vogel may have been blessed to have two superstars on his team, but it's not fair to downplay his impact on the Lakers' success this season.
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