NBA Rumors: Lakers Potential Coaching Replacements Emerge
Mike D’Antoni finally stood up for himself against the big bad Los Angeles Lakers.
He didn’t want to be a lame duck coach for another season, without a guarantee of a 2015-16 contract. The Lakers didn’t want to exercise that option, so D’Antoni did something that no one really expected him to do.
He resigned.
At the end of the day, it’s what both teams wanted anyways. No harm no foul.
According to ESPN, the Lakers will begin the coaching search immediately. Though, their immediate focus is on the NBA draft and free agency. Of course, because if you build a team a coach will come. That’s the saying, right?
In other news: one person that was extremely happy with the MDA resignation was Magic Johnson. Maybe a little too excited.
Happy days are here again! Mike D'Antoni resigns as the Lakers coach. I couldn't be happier!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 1, 2014
I mean, what did MDA ever do to Magic?
Anyways, who do the Lakers target? At this point, it could be anyone. Really.
"The Lakers have not settled on what type of candidate they will be looking to hire, according to a team source.“It could be a young, up-and-coming guy, it could be a low-cost coach on a short-term contract, it could be a big-name coach on a big-money contract,” the source told ESPNLosAngeles.com’s Dave McMenamin. “It could be anyone.”But the Lakers do not expect to have a coach in place prior to the draft lottery on May 20, according to the team source, as the pick they land in June’s upcoming draft — which will be anywhere from No. 1 through No. 9 — will surely shape what kind of coach the team will be looking for."
And speculation is already beginning to emerge — or perhaps, just rumors.
A candidate Lakers management and Kobe Bryant share a fondness: Euro legend Ettore Messina. He impressed as assistant under Mike Brown.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 1, 2014
Possible there won't be a superstar coach available to Lakers, but there's a hometown kid on fast-track to become one: UConn's Kevin Ollie.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 1, 2014
Steve Clifford, perhaps? I’m sure they’d be able to pull the rug on the Bobcats, who will be the Hornets this fall, right?
There appears to be a bizarre fear that Steve Clifford might be Lakers coach, Can't happen.
— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) May 1, 2014
Doc Rivers? I mean, maybe?
LAC coach Doc Rivers has no thoughts about Lakers coach opening at this time, a source said. He has expressed uncertainty about LAC post DS.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) May 1, 2014
Lionel Hollins? Anyone remember that dude?
ex-NBA coach Lionel Hollins has interest in the Lakers head coach opening, a source said. Hollins coached Memphis to West Finals last season
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) May 1, 2014
Please let it be Tyronn Lue…please!
Lakers should take a look at ex-Laker Tyronn Lue, now a Clippers asst coach. Highly regarded by Doc & the players. Seen as an up and comer.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) May 1, 2014
But it definitely won’t be Stan Van Gundy. No way. Too much uncertainty.
Former NBA coach Stan Van Gundy is not expected to pursue the Lakers coach opening, a source said.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) May 1, 2014
This seems like a “hopeful” list. A wish list even. But it’s a start, I guess.