According to TNT analyst David Aldridge the Lakers have narrowed their head coaching search. After a report earlier today that declared the team was ‘very close’ to naming their next coach, Aldridge has reported that the Lakers are looking for cheaper options at head coach.
Rumor has it the Lakers have narrowed their choices down to former Cleveland Cavaliers coach Mike Brown, former Houston Rockets coach Rick Adelman, and current Lakers assistant Brian Shaw. The team’s desire to keep their salary lower than it was last season is the main reason for these candidates.
The Lakers have also reportedly moved away from veteran coaches Jeff Van Gundy and Mike Dunleavy, both of whom have extended experience as NBA head coaches.
The team’s front office has repeated several times that they’re looking to save money when they bring in a new coach. After paying Phil Jackson $10 million in 2010-11 and $12.5 million the season before, the team could use the additional cap space. It’s safe to assume that whoever the team brings in to coach next season, their salary won’t be nearly as impressive as Jackson’s.
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