The Los Angeles Lakers have a big decision to make regarding whether or not they will retain head coach Byron Scott. If the Lakers choose to move on from Scott, there are a number of high profile coaches available and one of the most popular is former Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau.
Thibodeau is well-known for being one of the most fierce coaches in the league, and his defensive principles kept the Bulls among the perennial Eastern Conference contenders.
Should the Lakers fire Scott, many had mentioned Thibodeau as a potential target, but according to Eric Pincus of the LA Times, Thibodeau crossed the Lakers off his list a while ago because he wants more power than is available in Los Angeles:
My understanding is Lakers were crossed off as an option some time ago because no bball ops power available https://t.co/9FuXdxfMbT
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) April 18, 2016
Thibodeau is currently viewed as the favorite to land with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and he is reportedly looking to be the President of Basketball Operations along with the head coach. Stan Van Gundy has a similar situation with the Detroit Pistons.
With Jim Buss still entrenched in that position, Thibodeau would be unable to have the power he is reportedly seeking with the Lakers so it makes sense why he would look elsewhere.
Whatever their decision will be, the Lakers must make a decision regarding Scott soon as many of the top coaching candidates have interest across the league. Scott Brooks has been linked to the Lakers but is also reportedly a favorite of the Washington Wizards while Luke Walton has reportedly interviewed with the New York Knicks.