The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly fired head athletic trainer Marco Nunez on Wednesday following the conclusion of their season. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin was the first to report the change.
The Lakers were hampered by injuries all season, especially to their best players. Their 212 missed games to injury ranked 9th in the NBA. More importantly, there were several instances of missed diagnoses and optimistic timetables that were not met for recovery.
The team has dealt with major injuries for several years, now, a frustrating aspect of an organization needing healthy players that can be developed to further their progress. Players at their exit interviews on Wednesday showed support for the training staff although Lonzo Ball did note how frustrating it was to be told of a bone bruise after his initial diagnosis of a sprained ankle.
Nunez was promoted to his current position after Gary Vitti retired in 2016. He has been with the team as a trainer since 2008.
According to the LA Times’ Tania Ganguli, Nunez was not explicitly fired but his contract is not being extended. She also reports that the Lakers considered firing him last year.
Can confirm that the Lakers are moving on from head athletic trainer Marco Nunez. They didn't extend his contract. Nunez took over after Gary Vitti stepped down in 2016. @mcten was first.
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) April 10, 2019
The Lakers considered firing Nunez after last season and this move fits with the emphasis they have placed on injuries. As an organization, they've decided to peg injuries as the main problem this year. They've certainly had a lot of injuries, but other factors share blame.
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) April 10, 2019
Earlier this week, Magic Johnson resigned from his position as president of the team, perhaps paving the way for more widespread changes. However, general manager Rob Pelinka is reportedly expected to stay in his role, at least in the short term.
