Heading into the 2015-16 NBA season, there was optimism the Los Angeles Lakers had established a young core for the post-Kobe Bryant era. While player development was expected to be the team’s top priority, most have questioned how head coach Byron Scott has managed D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson through 54 games.
While five head coaches have been fired prior to All-Star Weekend, Scott is reportedly expected to stay with the Lakers for the remainder of the season. However, there have also been reports the Lakers may be looking to make a coaching change in the off-season.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, Luke Walton and Tom Thibodeau will be competing for the Lakers head coaching job in the spring:
Walton will be competing with Thibodeau for the Lakers job in the spring, and who knows: Jackson and Walton could be reunited there.
With the Lakers headed to the NBA Draft Lottery for the third consecutive season, most are anticipating changes this upcoming off-season. Along with a coaching change, there is a report current New York Knicks President Phil Jackson could eventually return to his former team should Los Angeles decide to make front office changes.
For the Lakers, they are looking to return to championship contention. With a young core in place, they will have a top-three protected pick in this year’s draft to go along with a projected $65 million in cap space to pursue free agents. Although the franchise has not been able to sign a superstar free agent, a coaching change could make the Lakers more attractive.
Los Angeles Lakers(96) - Minnesota Timberwolves(103)