It is widely speculated that the Los Angeles Lakers are going to have a new head coach this NBA offseason. Frank Vogel, who helped lead the team to a championship in the Orlando Bubble in 2020, is expected to be relieved of his duties after the season.
Vogel was dealt a tough hand this season, as injuries derailed any chance the Lakers had at competing this season. Anthony Davis and LeBron James have both missed large chunks of the season while Russell Westbrook was unable to find his niche with the franchise as he has in previous stops.
There was only so much Vogel could do, but it sounds as if he will be on the parts of the franchise that will be changed, according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report. It is easy to say someone should be fired, but there has to be someone that can take over the job in their place.
One name that has emerged as a potential candidate is Doc Rivers. The current Philadelphia 76ers head coach has been mentioned in league circles as his future in Philadelphia could be up in the air.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Anthony Davis Fires Back At Critics Over Injury Prone Label
“Doc Rivers, the Philadelphia 76ers’ head coach, is another active bench leader being mentioned by league personnel as a potential Lakers candidate. Rivers’ tenure in Philadelphia has also come into question of late, spurred by team president Daryl Morey’s deadline acquisition of James Harden and the mounting speculation that followed about a potential reunification with Harden’s former Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni.”
It would be a bit surprising to see the 76ers move on from Rivers, especially if they find some success in the postseason. But, if this season proved anything, if there is someone that Daryl Morey wants, he will do whatever it takes to bring them in.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Anthony Davis Fires Back At Critics Over Injury Prone Label
If the Lakers want to land Doc Rivers, it sounds like they will have some competition to do so. The Utah Jazz, who hired Danny Ainge, could be in the running for him should Quin Snyder move on. Ainge and Rivers worked together during their time with the Boston Celtics from 2004 to 2013.
Doc Rivers would bring a lot of experience to the sideline for the Los Angeles Lakers. He has been on the other side of matchups with LeBron James throughout his coaching career and would likely relish the chance to be the one coaching him, instead of against him.
