Add another name to the Lakers coaching list as the team will interview Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach Alvin Gentry on Wednesday according to the LA Times:
After talking with Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak by phone last Friday, Gentry has an interview with Kupchak and vice president Jim Buss on Wednesday to talk about replacing Mike D’Antoni, according to several NBA executives who were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter
This is the first time Gentry’s name has come up in the Lakers head coaching search, but he is an interesting candidate. He fits a big Lakers qualification of experience, and he is known as one of the best offensive minds in basketball.
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Under his guidance, as the team’s offensive coach, the Los Angeles Clippers led the league in scoring while ranking third in field goal percentage, and second in assists.
Gentry also has experience in Los Angeles, serving as the team’s head coach from 2000-2003 before becoming the team’s assistant this past season, coincidentally spurning the Lakers in the process.
Gentry’s most recent head coaching job was with the Phoenix Suns where he lead the team to the 2010 Western Conference Finals, falling to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Gentry will join Mike Dunleavy, Byron Scott, and Lionel Hollins as coaches who have either interviewed or are expected to interview. Former point guard Derek Fisher has also been linked to the job. So far, the Lakers seem to be sticking to their claim of wanting an experienced coach. Every person outside of Fisher has at least five years of head coaching experience.
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