Jeanie Buss Says Lakers Can’t ‘Really Make Any Judgment’ on Frank Vogel Until the Team is Healthy
After growing speculation about the job security of Coach Frank Vogel, Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss has made it clear that his job is safe for now. According to NBA.com, Buss will not be making judgments on his job performance until he has his full complement of players.
“Until we’re 100% healthy, I don’t think you can really make any judgment,” Buss said.
“We’re as connected as any organization can be, I really don’t know what you’re looking for me to say. I would say until we’re 100 percent healthy, I won’t make any judgments about anything.”
The Lakers gave Vogel a one-year extension last summer through the 2022-23 season. But even though Vogel coached the team to the 2020 NBA title, Vogel has faced roster overhaul and injury woes since taking the team over.
After the Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics Tuesday night 117-102, they moved back above .500 to 13-12 and have sole possession of the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference.
LeBron James also spoke out on Frank Vogel’s status after a recent practice stating the roster has to do a better job of executing via ESPN.
“I think criticism comes with the job, you know?” James told reporters. “Frank is a strong-minded guy. He has a great coaching staff. And we, as his players, have to do a better job of going out and producing on the floor. We’re a team and an organization that don’t mind some adversity, that don’t mind people saying things about us, obviously, because it comes with the territory.”
The Lakers go on the road to take on the Memphis Grizzlies (14-10) Thursday night.
