It didn’t take long for Lakers sources to realize the franchise plainly felt it needed to make a change on the bench, as the Lakers fired not only Darvin Ham but his whole coaching staff last week, just days after being ousted in Game 5.
The reasons — lineup changes, inconsistent in-game adjustments, timeout management, and so on — were outlined not only after Ham’s dismissal, but also in real time, as the team’s fan base openly expressed its dissatisfaction.
Though the Lakers’ difficulties are multifaceted, they should not be blamed only on Ham (it is not his fault that Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent, two essential cornerstones of his team’s perimeter defense, were never healthy at the same time). It is not his fault that the good shots his team made against Denver in the first round did not fall.
But enough of the other variables were present for the team to make a move, even if there is no obvious path for them now that they are starting a coaching search.
As of midweek, the team was still in its early phases, with both internal team and external coaching sources describing the Lakers as “taking their time.”
(Unless something happens with, say, Tyronn Lue).
In interactions with insiders over the last several days, there’s a strong sense that the Lakers are prioritizing experience in this search, continuing a trend in which the Lakers have reversed a choice. And given that Ham was a first-time coach…
But enough of the other variables were present for the team to make a move, even if there is no obvious path for them now that they are starting a coaching search.
That means Kenny Atkinson, who worked for Steve Kerr at Golden State and performed well in the previous Lakers coaching search, will be in the running.
However, while there is a desire to find someone with experience, the Lakers, according to sources, are open to speaking with applicants with a variety of coaching backgrounds.
Yes, that requires experienced coaches on the sidelines. However, it also requires examination of some of the most highly regarded assistant coaches, including those currently working in the postseason, such as Denver’s David Adelman, Minnesota’s Micah Nori, Boston’s Charles Lee, and Dallas’ Sean Sweeney.
And yes, it means consideration for broadcaster/podcaster JJ Redick, who will receive serious consideration despite no coaching experience beyond his son’s youth team in New York City.
And, in the early stages, all signs point to the Lakers getting ready to cast a wide net.
The offseason starting blocks
The Lakers’ front office will be in Chicago this weekend and next week for the NBA Draft Combine.
If they use their first-round pick at No. 17 (and there’s a good possibility they’ll trade it), they’ll be drafting in an intriguing location in a draft that’s really considered pretty deep despite a lack of top-tier star power.
The Lakers should prioritize size and shooting in Chicago.
