Phil Handy will be the latest addition to the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason, according to Marc Spears of ESPN. Handy spent the last season in Toronto, helping the Raptors to their first championship in franchise history. Handy joins Danny Green as former Raptors to join the Lakers this offseason.
The Lakers are hiring Phil Handy as an assistant coach, a source said. The former Raptors assistant will be at the front of the bench with the Lakers. He also coached in five straight NBA Finals winning two titles.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) July 14, 2019
Handy has experience with the team and one of their star players in LeBron James. Handy was the Lakers’ player development coach from 2011 to 2013 under Mike Brown. Brown returned to Cleveland in 2013, where Handy stayed until this last season. Handy helped develop Kyrie Irving during his time in Cleveland as well as James and Kevin Love. His competitive spark was a driving force to the Cavaliers overcoming a 3-1 deficit according to a profile from when Toronto made the hire.
Handy has made 4 finals appearances with James, and 1 with Green.
Handy had stints in the NBA with the Warriors and Trail Blazers before playing overseas. During his time in England, he developed a relationship with future Raptors coach, Nick Nurse. As an assistant coach, he has specialized in footwork and balance.
With his familiarity with high-pressure situations and a relationship with the current players, Handy is a fine acquisition to the coaching staff.
Handy will be joining Lionel Hollins and Jason Kidd as assistants to head coach Frank Vogel.
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