The Golden State Warriors have granted permission to the Los Angeles Lakers to interview assistant Kenny Atkinson, per ESPN. The Lakers are looking to hire a new head coach after dismissing coach Frank Vogel following a disappointing 2021-22 NBA season.
The Sacramento Kings, another team in search of a head coach, concluded their search recently by hiring Mike Brown, another Warriors’ assistant. Should the Lakers hire Atkinson, he would be the second Warriors assistant to leave the team before the team’s season has concluded.
Kenny Atkinson is an intriguing candidate for a head coaching position. Atkinson has experience in a head coaching role, leading the Brooklyn Nets for four seasons from 2016-20. During a tough stretch for the Nets franchise, Atkinson helped establish a winning culture.
The coach led the Nets to consecutive playoff berths in 2019 and 2020, despite a depleted roster in both seasons. Brooklyn dismissed Atkinson when they added Kevin Durant and hired coach Steve Kerr.
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The Los Angeles Lakers are looking for a coach who can turn the team around after a disastrous season. After entering the season with championship hopes, the Lakers failed to even make the postseason. It is unclear if the team will be able to achieve much success without major roster changes, but a coaching change could provide a boost as well.
As things stand, the Lakers will likely retain their core of stars in LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, and Anthony Davis. With such big names on the roster, any coach will enter the season with lofty expectations.
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Kenny Atkinson has been rumored as a leading candidate for LA along with ESPN commentator Mark Jackson, who formerly coached the Golden State Warriors. The Los Angeles Lakers join the Hornets as the only two teams actively searching for a coach. LA will likely have a good chance at retaining their first-choice candidate.
