The Los Angeles Lakers are amidst a purposefully deliberate coaching search. According to the latest reporting from NBA insider Marc Stein, one candidate may have a leg up on the competition…if only LeBron James was in charge of the decision.

In his latest Substack column, Stein reveals that while Mark Jackson is no longer repped by Klutch Sports, LeBron and Rich Paul would certainly approve of his hire, though the Sacramento Kings seem to be a likelier landing spot.

“Jackson was indeed a Klutch client in the past and, sources say, maintains a strong relationship with Klutch CEO Rich Paul, whose foremost client, of course, is the Lakers’ LeBron James. There is undeniably a level of support within the Klutch camp for Jackson’s candidacy with the Lakers, but Jackson’s chances of finally getting another NBA coaching shot after an eight-year wait are much stronger with Sacramento.

Jackson is one of three current finalists for the Sacramento job and…widely regarded around the league as the preferred candidate of Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé…”

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5pTA1WRZXEgYuRy0sImAau?si=46035870f6a2432d

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Jackson has not gotten a job since being let go by the Golden State Warriors in 2014. He led the Warriors to a 121-109 regular-season record and two postseason appearances, but he seemed to burn bridges on his way out due to a number of strange-to-unflattering incidents.

Last month, The Athletic reported that LeBron “would be very enthused” by the notion of playing for Jackson. LeBron pushed the Cleveland Cavaliers to consider Jackson in 2016.

The Lakers have interviewed Jackson, Darvin Ham, Adrian Griffin, and Terry Stotts thus far. Stein notes that the organization may be taking its time in case Doc Rivers or Quin Snyder become available. At exit interviews, Pelinka said the team wanted to hire a coach with a “strong voice” before the NBA Draft on June 23.

While Pelinka may consult LeBron and Klutch on the hire, this one seems to be out of their hands. The Lakers Zoom interviews have been conducted by Pelinka, Jeanie Buss, Joey Buss, Jesse Buss, and Kurt Rambis. Phil Jackson is reportedly consulting Jeanie on the search, too, as he did during the franchise's prior coaching vacancy.