The Los Angeles Lakers' season didn't exactly go as planned. LeBron James' debut campaign in forum blue and gold wasn't just beset by chemistry and injury-related drama, but it will end with the three-time champion missing the playoffs for the first time since 2005.
In response to Los Angeles being eliminated from the postseason last week – by D'Angelo Russell and the Brooklyn Nets, no less – season-long whispers of Luke Walton's uncertain job security have grown a bit louder. According to Marc Stein of The New York Times, the Lakers have their eyes on several incumbent head coaches should they ultimately decide to dismiss Walton, including the Dallas Mavericks' Rick Carlisle.
Not that Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka would ever get a meeting with Dallas' longtime coach, of course. Asked for his thoughts on reports that Los Angeles is interested in Carlisle, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban made it abundantly and amusingly clear that the 2011 champion isn't going anywhere.
“LOL,” Cuban replied when pressed on the issue by 247 Sports' Mike Fisher. “LOL. That's my quote.”
Before the season, Carlisle's contract with the Mavericks was quietly revised, giving him a pay raise and officially keeping him in Dallas through 2022-23. In 11 seasons on the Mavericks' sideline, Carlisle has a 466-412 record. He's been with Dallas longer than any coach in the league has been with his team, save for San Antonio Spurs icon Gregg Popovich.
The Times also reported that the Lakers have interest in Doc Rivers, who signed his own extension with the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this year. Prior reporting has indicated Los Angeles will consider Mark Jackson and Jason Kidd, both currently without coaching jobs, if the team parts ways with Walton this offseason.
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