After Mike D’Antoni’s shocking resignation as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this week, rumors have run rampant over who will roam the sidelines for the purple and gold next season. The Lakers are apparently looking for a highly respected and established coach as they have been linked to the likes of Tom Thibodeau, Steve Kerr, and Kevin Ollie just to name a few.
General Manager Mitch Kupchak has said that the front office will take their time deciding on who they will hire as coach. However, this has not stopped speculation from running wild.
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With all the hoopla surrounding the vacant head coaching position, oddsmaker Betfair Sportsbook has named Derek Fisher and Steve Kerr as having the best odds to be hired:
Kerr was given even odds, despite ongoing negotiations with team President Phil Jackson of the New York Knicks.
Fisher, who is still playing with the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are embroiled in a first-round battle against the Memphis Grizzlies, was given 3-1 odds by Betfair.
These odds are pure speculation at this point and could turn out to be completely wrong. Steve Kerr is deep into discussions with Phil Jackson’s New York Knicks, while Derek Fisher has said he would be willing to listen to the Lakers’ offer.
The oddsmaker lists several other potential coaches and hilariously enough, Kobe Bryant finds himself on the list:
Also on the Betfair list: Lionel Hollins (20-1), Byron Scott (25-1), Kevin Ollie (25-1), Tom Thibodeau (25-1), Doc Rivers (33-1), Ettore Messina (33-1), Mike Krzyzewski (33-1) and Kobe Bryant (33-1).
In their search for a new head coach, the Lakers are certainly not lacking any interest from high caliber candidates. The Lakers will want to make sure to pick the right coach as they move forward with a high selection in the upcoming 2014 NBA draft and ample cap space for free agency.
The front office will look to fill the head coach vacancy with somebody who they believe will attract superstar free agents to Los Angeles. While Fisher or Kerr could certainly become the next head coach for the Lakers, only time will tell who eventually fills the vacant position.
(H/T to the LA Times)
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Mike D’Antoni OUT, Resigns As Lakers Head Coach – Magic Johnson Says He Couldn’t Be Happier