Dissolution of Coaching Staff
Following their elimination by the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets, in the first round of the playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers swiftly disbanded their coaching staff led by Darvin Ham. Reports from various sources suggest that the Lakers organization will commence interviews for a new head coach this week, with former players JJ Redick, former Hornets head coach James Borrego, and Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell emerging as the primary targets.
Journey to Find a New Leader
According to a joint report by Lakers beat writer Jovan Buha and prominent journalist Shams Charania from “The Athletic,” the Lakers’ quest for a new head coach is set to begin this week. The organization aims for the selected candidate not only to steer the team competitively during the LeBron James-Anthony Davis era but also to navigate through the post-LeBron era seamlessly.
Desired Qualities in the New Coach
The Lakers aspire for the new head coach to exert authority in the locker room, establish effective communication channels with players, and sustain the team’s competitiveness using existing resources, particularly Anthony Davis, after LeBron James’s retirement or departure. The coach must also prioritize player development while advancing the team’s progress.
Initial Candidates on the Radar
To meet these criteria, the Lakers have initially targeted Redick, Borrego, and Cassell. It’s worth noting that the Lakers organization plans to seek advice from Mike Krzyzewski, the esteemed former head coach of Duke University whom LeBron James greatly respects, to assess Redick’s strengths and weaknesses.
Analysis of Potential Candidates
Aside from Redick, Borrego, who honed his coaching skills under Gregg Popovich with the San Antonio Spurs and led the Hornets to a record of 99 wins and 120 losses from 2019 to 2022, is also under consideration. While Borrego excels in nurturing young players and implementing systems, his in-game adjustments may not align with the needs of a playoff or championship contender.
Consideration of Cassell’s Credentials
As for Cassell, currently serving as an assistant coach with the Celtics, his status as a former star player coupled with 15 years of coaching experience has garnered him significant acclaim in the industry. With the departure of Charles Lee, the Celtics’ lead assistant coach, who was recently hired by the Hornets, Cassell’s expertise in refining players’ individual skills and fostering camaraderie with his mentees appears to align well with the Lakers’ requirements. (188jili)