In a recent discussion, Bill Simmons, Ryen Russillo, and Van Lathan delved into the pressing question of who should be the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.
The trio weighed in on various potential candidates while dissecting the complexities and challenges that come with coaching a team like the Lakers.
Among the names tossed around was JJ Redick, a former NBA player known for his sharpshooting prowess. However, the panel expressed skepticism about Redick’s suitability for the Lakers coaching role, considering the daunting task of managing the team’s high-profile roster and navigating pre-existing relationships with star players like LeBron James.
“You need somebody invigorated enough by the opportunity to take some s***.”@BillSimmons, @ryenarussillo, and @VanLathan discuss who should be the Lakers’ next coach. pic.twitter.com/ZgHFJ4v207
— The Ringer (@ringer) May 7, 2024
The conversation extended to dissecting the performance of former Lakers coach Frank Vogel and his successor, Darvin Ham. While acknowledging Vogel’s accomplishments, including leading the team to an NBA title, the panelists scrutinized the narrative surrounding his tenure and subsequent dismissal.
Reflecting on Vogel’s tenure and the rapid shifts in public perception, Ryen Russillo added, “I found the Vogel one really frustrating. Cause it was like as soon as things started going south, started hearing the, well, you know, we started to learn, Frank, isn’t that great of a coach? You’re like, all right. Yeah, serious. He won the title.”
They also analyzed the challenges faced by Ham and questioned the front office’s decision-making amidst roster changes and player acquisitions.
Simmons, Russillo, and Lathan highlighted the pressure-cooker environment of coaching in Los Angeles, where narratives can quickly shift and expectations are sky-high.
“The Lakers job is not for the faint of heart. You need somebody invigorated enough by the opportunity to take some s***,” remarked Bill Simmons, encapsulating the sentiment shared by many regarding the demanding nature of coaching in Los Angeles.
Despite acknowledging the complexities of the coaching role and the inherent challenges of managing a star-studded team, they expressed skepticism about the notion that a new coach could drastically alter the team’s fortunes.
The discussion underscored the intricate dynamics at play within the Lakers organization, offering insights into the team’s coaching dilemma and the broader landscape of NBA coaching.
