by Marcel Mutoni / @marcel_mutoni
The last time the Los Angeles Lakers hired a former Houston Rockets head coach, things did not end well at all. Word to Rudy Tomjanovich.
Reportedly, however, they’re willing to at least seriously consider the possibility once again. Rick Adelman is apparently very high on LA’s wish list of possible replacements for Phil Jackson.
From ESPN:
The Los Angeles Lakers’ search for Phil Jackson’s replacement is just beginning, but NBA coaching sources on Thursday described the Lakers as “very interested” in Rick Adelman as a candidate for the position. Lakers assistant coach Brian Shaw has the public endorsement of Kobe Bryant and is regarded as by far the strongest in-house candidate for the position.
Yet sources say Lakers officials are intrigued by the Adelman option, not only because of his history of success in Portland, Sacramento and Houston but also his reputation for thriving with veteran teams and the similarities between Adelman’s “corner” offense and Jackson’s “triangle” offense. Beyond Shaw and Adelman, sources said, L.A.’s list of potential targets is only just taking shape.
Mike Dunleavy, to the horror of all Laker Nation, is also one of the reported candidates for the highly-coveted gig.
It’s widely believed that team owner Jerry Buss wants a coach who will push the Lakers to play a faster, more exciting brand of basketball than Phil Jackson did. But with the current roster, that may not be a realistic option.
GM Mitch Kupchak indicated to the media this week that he has yet to talk to ownership about a possible coaching hire, so it’s unlikely that a decision will be made anytime soon.
