Experts around the basketball world seem divided on whether the Los Angeles Lakers were right to fire head coach Frank Vogel, although there seems to be near-universal agreement that the way the team did so was wrong and unprofessional.
But now, L.A. needs a new head coach who will be an upgrade over the most recent version of Vogel.
Although there are plenty of rumored candidates, the real question is whether any quality coach outside of the Lakers organization will actually want the job.
Via Los Angeles Times:
“Those with knowledge of coaching situations around the league say the Lakers’ reputation isn’t good — concerns about meddling, too many voices, suspect contracts and obvious roster problems creating an equation that has them working from behind.
“’Is the Lakers’ job that attractive?’ one coaching agent asked, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive subject. ‘I’m not so sure it is. But someone will take the job.’”
Three years ago, just before Vogel was hired, the Lakers’ first choice was Ty Lue, who had played for them and won a couple of championships with them in the early 2000s. But according to reports, the team only offered Lue a three-year contract when he wanted one that lasted five years.
The Lakers also wanted to have some serious say in who would be on Lue’s staff, a demand he refused.
As it did back then, the team’s front office looks like something of a joke around the league.
On the other hand, as was the case in the months after Vogel’s hiring, bringing on the right head coach and reshaping the roster in an appropriate manner could change that image within a relatively short amount of time.
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