What started as an 'if' proposition is turning into a 'when,' regarding the job status of Lakers head coach Luke Walton. While it's never fun to talk about anybody losing their job, it seems like the consensus among insiders is that the fallout for missing the playoffs for the sixth straight season will start with Walton.
You can already bet on who will be the Lakers head coach, with former Bucks and Nets head coach Jason Kidd opening as the favorite. There are several other potential candidates, including many with LeBron ties. So here are some of the folks who could command the bench, starting with the betting favorite.
1. Jason Kidd
The Kidd candidacy doesn't just start at No. 1 on our list because of the Vegas odds. Many people remember how Jason Kidd was on the Dallas Mavericks team that knocked off LeBron's Heat in 2011, but the two were close friends when they were on the 'Redeem Team' at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
The attraction stuck as this 2009 report from Brian Windhorst shows, as James once hoped the Cavaliers would trade for Kidd because of a 'fast friendship' and 'on-court bond.' So it makes sense that James would like to work with someone whom he considers a peer in basketball intellect. And this quote from Kidd back then in the same story makes it seem like he's thought about a partnership for quite a while.
"I could sit and watch from the bench," Kidd said. "[LeBron] is so talented, he's going to get guys wide open shots. So we'll look at free agency and what happens for me next year."
James was on the record crediting Kidd for his leadership and unselfishness in the 2008 Olympics.
"I was a teammate of his on the 2008 Olympic team in Beijing and he probably took one shot the whole tournament."
Although Kidd's history of a coach includes some dramatic moments, such as abruptly ditching the Nets for the Bucks (costing them two 2nd round picks) and ultimately getting fired by Milwaukee, he did show some encouraging signs.
With a 183-190 overall mark, his record is pretty respectable. However, Kidd has only one playoff series win to his record and there are still lots questions surrounding his willingness to adapt his defensive schemes to his personnel leftover from his Milwaukee days.
2. Mark Jackson
When odds were released for Walton's replacement, Jackson came in second behind Kidd. His glowing praise for LeBron James on almost every broadcast he does for ESPN has only pushed that narrative.
Another reason that has been cited for the Lakers potentially hiring Jackson was his connection and representation by Klutch Sports. However, after talking to a few people, it sounds like the Jackson-Klutch connection is no longer an active business relationship.
Even though it's not known who Jackson is currently with, the fact that he and Klutch are no longer a thing makes his candidacy a little less likely. Nevertheless, his profile and familiarity with the L.A. market make him a candidate.
3. Ty Lue
This one is a lot easier to explain, even if it brings its own complications. Lue was at the helm for three straight runs to the NBA Finals, including the 2016 Championship with the Cavaliers. Also, after Lue was fired early in the season, James not-so subtly told him to look him up when he's ready.
Although Lue was often maligned by fans and onlookers for being seen as a head coach in name only, his 128-83 record (.603 winning percentage) looks mighty good on a resume. And even though the Cavs were in the Eastern Conference, there's something to be said for winning 60% of your games and knowing how to push the right buttons in the playoffs.
The skeptics would say LeBron pushed those buttons, but there's clearly a comfort level between he and Lue. It also helps that Lue has been one of the few voices over the years that has credibly kept LeBron accountable.
However, the biggest question might be whether he wants to return to the spotlight. Lue has a history with Los Angeles and LeBron, having been a former Laker and coaching LeBron over the last few years. But he also suffered some health problems due to some of the stress and it's worth considering that he might want to return to coaching in a situation where he's not being constantly questioned.
4. Tom Izzo
Another reason why the Lakers are better off waiting to make a big move at head coach is that some candidates they want may not be available to interview yet. One of those potential candidates could be Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo, even though nobody has reported on such a candidacy yet. But there are lots of connections to consider.
Let's start with the LeBron connection. In the month before LeBron left Cleveland the first time around, the Cavaliers flirted with Izzo and the coach even had a meeting with James. Ultimately, Izzo decided to stay at Michigan State and LeBron took his talents to South Beach.
But this is a more layered connection than just LeBron and it's one worth considering given the Lakers tendency to stay within their network. Magic Johnson, a Michigan State legend, remains very close to the program and by extension, Izzo.
Izzo would give Magic and the Lakers a big name, while also being a guy that LeBron has approved of in the past.
However, Izzo is 64 years old and he may have missed his opportunity to make the leap. But if Izzo wants to take his step in a coaching career, while also leaving behind the tedious business of recruiting and taking a step towards retirement in sunny L.A., the Lakers are the perfect place for him to do it.
As many of you are likely going to point out, Izzo would fit right in with LeBron at that point.
5. Ettore Messina
Messina was the bridesmaid of NBA head coaching candidates last summer and has the pedigree, as well as the recommendations, to become the next man up for the Lakers.
An assistant for the San Antonio Spurs after a storied career coaching in Italy, Messina is renowned for his offensive X's and O's brilliance and also interviewed for the head job in Charlotte, Toronto and Milwaukee.
Although all those jobs eventually went to other very qualified candidates and two of those teams are legitimate championship contenders. He also has a seal of approval from Kobe Bryant, one of the highest honors one can be bestowed in Lakers Land.
But more than that, Messina would be a great hire for the Lakers because he doesn't fit the typical Lakers mold. Although he was a consultant for the Lakers back in the 2011-12 season, his mold of a true basketball lifer that's bounced around the world known renowned for his tactical brilliance is not the big-name glamour hire they're used to making.
It's unknown whether James and Messina have any kind of relationship. But as long as Messina does his job well and doesn't start talking spicy like David Blatt, it's a pretty good pairing on paper.
6. Kendrick Perkins
This is the galaxy brain pick of the bunch. It's 2019 after all and Kendrick Perkins being the coach of the Lakers sounds just about perfect for current time.
Perkins' playing days are over, even if it hasn't been announced. LeBron and the Cavs picked up Perkins for their playoff run last year, adding a respected locker room presence. So, that covers the "will LeBron respect him" portion of the job requirements.
It honestly makes more sense that Perkins is an assistant on a LeBron Lakers team next season to be the LeBron Whisperer, but hey, it's fun to dream.
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