The Los Angeles Lakers have a massive job opening at head coach. Mark Jackson has been out of coaching for many years, however, it seems as if he has now entered the running to fill that head coaching vacancy in Hollywood.
The Lakers slow and methodical search trudges on as the playoff winds down to the NBA Finals and eventual end. Jackson got his shot to woo the Lakers brass. The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported on Friday that Jackson was interviewed for their head coaching job.
The Los Angeles Lakers have interviewed former Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson for their head coaching job, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Jackson is among the finalists for the Sacramento Kings head coach opening.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 7, 2022
The former NBA point guard joins a list of potential candidates from in and out of the league. Darvin Ham, Adrian Griffin, and Terry Stotts are all options and have interviewed for the Lakers. What’s interesting about Jackson is that he stands out, reportedly, as a name that LeBron James holds in regard, per The Athletic’s Sam Amick:
And here’s a tidbit to monitor as the Lakers conduct their latest coaching search: Sources say James would be very enthused by the prospect of Mark Jackson landing the job. But as history tells us, that doesn’t mean it will actually happen.
The Sacramento Kings also interviewed Jackson, however, they have now reportedly hired Mike Brown to their position. Jackson was reported as being a finalist and a likely hire before Brown was hired.
Jackson hasn’t really been linked to the open Hornets job, with the Lakers job now being the only open head coaching position he’s in the running for. As previously said, the Lakers will take this process as patiently as they can. With that being said, it’ll be interesting to monitor if Jackson’s name gains steam moving forward. If it doesn’t, and LeBron’s interest is real, that will make his extension situation even more tantalizing as it would show the Lakers are not 100% in on pleasing The King.
