The Los Angeles Lakers have taken their time with their coaching search. Since they had the only available head coaching job, the Lakers could afford to take their time as their candidates had nowhere else to go.
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With the shocking news of Jason Kidd leaving the Brooklyn Nets, a job has unexpectedly opened up, and Lionel Hollins has emerged as a favorite for the Nets job, prompting the Lakers to want to meet again with Hollins, according to USA Today’s Sam Amick:
According to a person with knowledge of the situation, the Lakers have shown an interest in meeting with Hollins or his representatives later this week. While the details have yet to be worked out, it’s clear that Hollins remains a viable candidate in what has been the most unique of coaching searches.
While Byron Scott has been seen as the favorite to land the Lakers job throughout most of this process, Hollins has continually been mentioned as a great option as well. He did an excellent job with the Memphis Grizzlies, and is well-respected throughout the NBA.
Now the Lakers are forced to move a little quicker as Hollins is already set to meet with Nets officials this week according to Yahoo! Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski:
Yahoo Sources: Brooklyn's top coaching target, Lionel Hollins, set to meet Nets officials in New York. http://t.co/zpda0N0lWa
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) June 30, 2014
The Lakers already have a lot on their plate, with free agency set to begin tonight, the team has its sights firmly set on Carmelo Anthony, among a host of other possible targets.
The coaching decision was not expected for at least another week, but with another suitor available, the Lakers may be forced into a decision a little earlier than planned.
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