The Los Angeles Lakers likely won’t make a final decision on a new head coach anytime soon. The storied franchise will continue to weigh options with the NBA draft lottery approaching on May 20 and the 2014 NBA draft to follow soon on June 26.
Even though the team is in no hurry to hire a new head coach, one name has surfaced as a possibility that could potentially be a game-changer for the struggling franchise. The Lakers still need to be granted permission to talk to Tom Thibodeau, but reports have surfaced that GM Mitch Kupchak and company are expected to pursue the Chicago Bulls head coach.
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Interestingly enough, free-agent-to-be Carmelo Anthony and Thibodeau have something in common sharing the Creative Arts Agency. David Haugh of The Chicago Tribune speculates that the agency would prefer to have both clients in Los Angeles:
The longer Thibodeau stays silent, the more people will suspect he has interest in the Lakers or was aware of the rumor being floated — which might be unfair but part of the perception-is-reality world in which we live. It only took two phone calls on this story before a league source wondered whether Creative Arts Agency — which represents Thibodeau and free-agent Carmelo Anthony — would prefer their clients collaborate in Los Angeles instead of Chicago.
With Anthony expected to opt out of his deal with the New York Knicks this summer, Chicago has been considered a likely destination for the superstar. The Knicks will have their shot to re-sign Anthony with Phil Jackson giving him his best sales pitch, but the Lakers may be able to draw Anthony to Los Angeles with Thibodeau in the fold.
At this point in time, there’s no telling what will happen during the off-season for the Lakers. A new head coach needs to be hired while also trying to fill out the roster with only three players under contract for next season with Kobe Bryant, Robert Sacre and Steve Nash set to return.
The Lakers bringing in Anthony and Thibodeau is far-fetched. It may be nothing more than a pipe dream, but anything is possible moving forward with Mike D’Antoni no longer an obstacle.
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Mike D’Antoni OUT, Resigns As Lakers Head Coach – Magic Johnson Says He Couldn’t Be Happier
