The rumor mill continues to go crazy and it is focused on the hottest name in most coaching circles.
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According to Fox Sports’ Bill Reiter, the Lakers and University of Connecticut head coach Kevin Ollie are expected to meet in the coming weeks:
Source close to Kevin Ollie says he plans to visit with Lakers in coming weeks about head-coaching job. Meeting not yet set up but expected.
— Bill Reiter (@foxsportsreiter) May 6, 2014
Ollie is one of the least experienced candidates linked to the job, but he is arguably the most popular. After leading UConn to a national championship in only his second season, Ollie’s name has come up continually when there has been a job opening in the NBA.
UConn is currently working towards a new contract for Ollie in order to keep him in Storrs, but that won’t stop teams from reaching out, and many have said that Ollie would at least listen.
It is important to note that the Lakers have not reached out to Ollie as of yet, and there is no meeting scheduled, but the team is expected to contact him at some point.
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The Lakers will continue to take their time in this coaching search, in an attempt to make sure that they bring in the right guy. This off-season will be crucial in the Lakers re-build as they will have a high draft pick and cap space.
Despite having been a coach for only two seasons, Ollie is very highly regarded in NBA circles after playing in the league for 13 years. NBA MVP Kevin Durant has also credited Ollie for changing the culture of the Oklahoma City Thunder during his lone season there.
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