After Mike D’Antoni’s shocking resignation from the Los Angeles Lakers last week, the team has had no shortage of potential candidates. Despite the team being linked to the likes of Kevin Ollie, Tom Thibodeau, and Steve Kerr, general manager Mitch Kupchak has indicated that the team is in no rush to fill the vacant position.
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This hasn’t stopped the Lakers from adding to their wish list as it seems with every passing day another name is added. According to Mike Bresnahan of the L.A. Times, the Lakers are interested in North Carolina coach Roy Williams:
Another name to add to the Lakers' list of coaching candidates: North Carolina's Roy Williams. They plan on talking to him…eventually.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) May 5, 2014
As some may remember, the Lakers courted Williams back in 2004, a year after he arrived at Chapel Hill, via Bresnahan:
Roy Williams declined to discuss the Lakers' job in 2004, one year after he left Kansas for UNC. Still a slow timetable for Lakers' search.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) May 5, 2014
With the recent disappointments during Mike D’Antoni and Mike Brown’s tenure as coaches, the Lakers are apparently looking at the best of the best. Williams marks the third highly regarded collegiate coach the team has considered, alongside Kentucky’s John Calipari and UConn’s Kevin Ollie.
Williams has never coached at the professional level, but has had quite a successful career in the collegiate ranks. Appearing in numerous Final Fours and winning two championships with North Carolina, Williams is considered one of the best active head coaches in college.
The Lakers seem to making their rounds throughout both the NCAA and professional level as they look for a suitable replacement for D’Antoni. The team certainly wants to make the right hire as they are looking for their third coach in as many years.
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Mike D’Antoni OUT, Resigns As Lakers Head Coach – Magic Johnson Says He Couldn’t Be Happier