With the NBA Draft just three days away, the Los Angeles Lakers have yet to hire a new head coach after Mike D’Antoni’s resignation. While the team has taken its time interviewing numerous candidates, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reports Los Angeles will likely not hire a coach before free agency begins on July 1:
“But the Lakers haven’t been in a hurry to hire anyone because, why would they be when hiring someone could affect the decision of a free agent they might court after July 1? As sweetners go, influence over a coaching hire is a pretty good one.”
While the Lakers are not expected to hire a coach before free agency begins, the team has already interviewed Byron Scott three times and the former Laker is considered the front runner for the position:
They don’t even have a coach yet, although Byron Scott has already had three interviews and is considered the frontrunner.
For the Lakers, the franchise faces its most important off-season in nearly a decade after a 27-55 season. However, with just three players under contract, the seventh pick, and ample cap room, the organization is in prime position to quickly rebuild themselves back into championship contenders.
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The first step to this rebuild process takes place on June 26 with the NBA Draft. While the team is deciding between drafting a power forward or point guard should they ultimately decide to keep the pick, Los Angeles has been in numerous trade rumors involving the Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers.
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