The Los Angeles Lakers continue their search of a new head coach ahead of the 2022-23 NBA season after parting ways with Frank Vogel, who failed to lead the team to the playoffs in a disappointing campaign.
This offseason could be crucial for the franchise, given that they won’t have many other opportunities to build a title-contending roster around LeBron James. Despite The King continues to impress even at 37, Father Time will eventually knock his door.
Landing a new coach, however, won’t be that easy for the Lakers. Quin Snyder, for instance, doesn’t seem interested in taking over in LA, but LeBron’s favorite candidate wouldn’t be of interest to the front office.
LeBron’s preferred candidate not expected to coach Lakers
Many names have been linked to the Lakers job, although neither of them seems to be close right now. According to Marc Stein, we should also cross Mark Jackson off the list.
“While Jackson appears to have his best shot with Sacramento at an NBA head coaching job since his dismissal in Golden State after the 2013-14 season, Jackson’s prospects with the Lakers don’t appear nearly as robust — even with the perceived support of Lakers star LeBron James,” Stein wrote. “Jackson is indeed on the Lakers’ list if he doesn’t get the Sacramento job, but I don’t get the sense — yet — that he has a strong chance in L.A.”
LeBron’s interest to be coached by Jackson dates back to 2016, when he reportedly tried to convince the Cavaliers to hire him. Jackson – who’s been on the shortlist of various franchises since his firing from the Warriors in 2014 – seems to be closer to the Kings’ post than the Lakers, though.
