LeBron James is reportedly interested in seeing Mark Jackson become the next coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. According to Sam Athick of The Athletic, James is “very excited” about Jackson’s idea as Lakers coach, although Amick noted that LeBron’s support does not necessarily mean it will happen. The Lakers’ coaching job became available on Monday when the organization sacked Frank Vogel after a disappointing 33-49 season. In his first season at the helm in Los Angeles, Vogel led the Lakers to a 52-19 record and NBA championship, but things fell back. The Lakers reached the playoffs last season with a score of 42-30, but had to go through the play-in tournament after the season to get there. They also lost to Western Conference final champion Phoenix Suns in the first round. Even so, expectations were high as they entered the 2021-22 season, as the Lakers added Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony and many other members of the second cast to a core consisting of James and Anthony Davis. Both LeBron and AD lost significant time due to injury, however, and the Lakers failed to recover, finishing 11th in the Western Conference. Vogel was the scapegoat for the team’s games, as expected, which means the Lakers are on the hunt for a new voice. Jackson has spent the last eight years as a commentator, but has three years of NBA coaching experience to his credit and has had some success. He coached the Golden State Warriors from 2011 to 2014, scoring 121-109 during the regular season with two appearances in the playoffs and one win in a row in the playoffs. Jackson was sacked at the end of the 2013-14 season and replaced by Steve Kerr, who led the Warriors to the NBA Finals in each of the next five seasons. In addition to his coaching experience, Jackson was a highly regarded player who spent 17 seasons in the NBA, most notably the New York Knicks, and was once an All-Star. Even with the games they have suffered this season, the Lakers remain an attractive destination for prospective coaches due to the presence of James and Davis. Jackson is probably one of the many candidates for the position, ranging from huge names to lesser-known candidates. Per Broderick Turner Los Angeles TimesThe Lakers are expected to consider Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurs, Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers, Utah Jazz coach Quinn Snyder and University of Michigan all-round head coach As for those immediately available, Turner noted that former Orlando Magic coach Steve Clifford, former Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts and Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach Darvin Ham have been mentioned more often. Jackson has been throwing tires on coaching opportunities since returning to the broadcast in 2014. Although nothing forced him to leave the stands, the opportunity to coach James and Davis could eventually do the trick if offered the chance. work.
