The Los Angeles Lakers vacancy at head coach is already one of the most sought-after jobs in the NBA less than a day after Mike D’Antoni resigned. Plenty of candidates have already been rumored to be interested in the position, but the Lakers brass may be looking to make a statement with their next coach.
Two coaches the team seems intent on pursuing will be from the college level in University of Kentucky’s John Calipari and University of Connecticut’s Kevin Ollie. Both coaches led their teams to the National Championship game this past season with Ollie coming out on top.
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Before the game got underway between the Wildcats and Huskies, a rumor started to circulate that Calipari was destined to take the Lakers coaching job next season. Calipari denied the rumor then and appears to continue to deny it now after D’Antoni’s resignation.
Calipari took to Twitter on Thursday in an attempt to stop the rumors before they start saying the following:
Before it starts, I'm totally committed to helping this group of young men reach their dreams. I wouldn't & couldn't leave this group!
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) May 1, 2014
With Calipari basically taking his name out of the running, Ollie may have become the frontrunner for the position. Calipari signing with the Lakers would’ve made a rather big statement as he’d almost certainly sign a lucrative deal and would instantly change the culture for this team in Los Angeles.
Other notable candidates that have been linked to the job are Byron Scott, Lionel Hollins, Ettore Messina and Derek Fisher.
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BREAKING: Mike D’Antoni OUT, Resigns As Lakers Head Coach – Magic Johnson Says He Couldn’t Be Happier