While no decision has been made about the future of head coach Mike D’Antoni, it hasn’t stopped the speculation about who the Lakers next head coach would be.
Recently the Lakers have been linked heavily to University of Kentucky head coach John Calipari, but that is far from a sure thing. In an interview with Cinesport, the OC Register’s Mark Heisler suggested a couple of familiar faces would be leading candidates:
If he does get fired, I would expect the leading candidates to be Byron Scott, who has very important ties starting with Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson, and Kurt Rambis who has Jeanie Buss and Phil Jackson.
It would seem as if the Lakers would be worried about going outside the Laker family for a third consecutive time. With Mike Brown and D’Antoni struggling to fit, the Lakers could feel more comfortable with someone who understands the Lakers franchise.
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With Kobe Bryant stressing the need to win immediately, the Lakers could decide to split from D’Antoni after the season, but nothing has been decided at this point.
If they do, it would make sense to give both of these guys a serious look. Scott is the more accomplished coach, going to two NBA Finals, and winning the NBA Coach of the Year award in 2008.
Rambis, however, is already on the coaching staff and has a relationship with players already on the roster. Either of them would make excellent hires.
With the Lakers season ending soon, the front office will have some big decisions to make. If D’Antoni is relieved of his duties, the Lakers must hire the right coach, whether he is in the Lakers family or not.
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Lakers Rumors: John Calipari To The Lakers? Lakers ‘Leaning Towards’ Parting Ways With D’Antoni?
