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Following the blockbuster trade the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off on Thursday, both teams will now have new players coming in to help them this campaign. The Lakers received two-time All-Star Isaiah Thomas, veteran big man Channing Frye, and a first-round pick in exchange for young guns Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr., but it may not be the end of their personnel changes yet, especially for the Lakers.
It has been reported that there are already rumors about former Miami Heat assistant and Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale possibly being the next coach of the Lakers and replace Luke Walton, according to Stephen A. Smith of ESPN's First Take.
“I’ve been a few things over the last few weeks, only hearing, haven’t confirmed or anything like that. You’ve got some people that are quick to remind me that Magic Johnson did not hire Luke Walton. Magic Johnson may not elect to stay with Luke Walton, he may want Fizdale…”
It is worth noting that Walton was indeed hired prior to Johnson being named as the Lakers' president of basketball operations. Smith may have made a good point as the Purple and Gold could opt for a fresh start not just with the players, but also with the coaching staff, which could make them a more appealing destination for big name free agents this summer.
Fizdale is known to be a well-respected coach around the league and more importantly, has a good relationship with LeBron James since their days with the Heat. That said, his potential hiring may intrigue The King, even more, to bring his talents to La La Land.
Of course, this is all speculation for now, and even Smith admitted that nothing is confirmed yet, but the NBA has seen stranger things happen in the past. Also, just like how the saying goes, when there's smoke, there's fire, and there could also be some truth to the rumors as well.
