While there are still plenty of questions left to be answered after the shocking resignation of Magic Johnson — who stepped down as president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers before their regular season finale — the team is working to find solutions.
There was plenty of speculation that Rob Pelinka’s job as general manager could be in jeopardy after Johnson stepped down. Many saw it as an opportunity for the franchise to clean the slate and jump start the Lakers, who have missed the playoffs in six straight seasons. Instead, Pelinka’s job appears to be safe for at least the time being, as he is leading the team’s coaching search after they parted ways with Luke Walton.
The Lakers are reportedly set to meet with three candidates so far in Juwan Howard, Monty Williams and Tyronn Lue. They are reportedly going to meet with Williams, a 76ers assistant coach, before Game 3 of their playoff series with the Brooklyn Nets.
Now, according to Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times, Pelinka is scheduled to meet with Lue on Friday to discuss the team’s current head coaching vacancy.
Lue won two championships as a player with the Lakers back in 2000 and 2001. He also has familiarity being LeBron James’ coach, as the two won an NBA championship together with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.
The Lakers have plenty of time to find out who their next coach will be. Whether they look to move quickly or take their time, it is a hire they need to get right. The Lakers have dealt with far too much coaching turnover since Phil Jackson retired from coaching in 2011.
The Lakers love to keep things in the family, so with Lue’s history as a player in Los Angeles and his experience with James, it is easy to see why the team would be interested. This feels like the beginning of a lengthy process, but the Lakers have certainly been proactive in their approach so far.
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