UPDATE (05/20/22): It sounds like the initial Zoom interview with Kenny Atkinson went well, as The Athletic’s Shams Charania is now reporting that Atkinson will join Darvin Ham and Terry Stotts as candidates that will go through final interviews with the Lakers. It seems as if we finally have our final three.
Sources: Finalists for the Los Angeles Lakers head coaching job: Bucks assistant Darvin Ham, Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson and former Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts. Next stage of interviews are expected to take place in-person in Los Angeles.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 20, 2022
Original story: The Los Angeles Lakers coaching search continues to go on, with Kenny Atkinson added to the mix. So far, they’ve been looking far and wide with candidates ranging from Mark Jackson to Terry Stotts. The latest coach is a familiar name that would make for an interesting hire, if made.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Lakers will add Kenny Atkinson to the list of coaching candidates:
ESPN Sources: The Los Angeles Lakers have received permission to interview Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson for the franchise’s head coaching job. Atkinson has already interviewed for the Charlotte Hornets’ job.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 12, 2022
As mentioned, Kenny Atkinson is with the Warriors, as they look to advance to the Western Conference Finals this week. Atkinson last spent four seasons with the Brooklyn Nets as a head coach. He was a huge hand in their resurgence and player development, leading them to a surprise playoff berth in his third season of four with the Nets. Atkinson resigned at the end of the 2019-20 season.
Unlike candidates such as Darvin Ham, Atkinson has no ties to the organization. Not that this is a sticking point, but it’s certainly something to consider with the franchise. The next theme is fielding experienced candidates linked to successful organizations, such as Golden State.
The Lakers are sticking to their word of casting a huge net to bring in as many interviewees as possible. This also seems like something that will extend as long as the playoffs are going. There’s likely other coaches who are participating in the playoffs that they may be intrigued by. Only time will tell, as Atkinson serves as the latest man of interest.
