Lakers To Interview J.B. Bickerstaff For Coaching Position: Twitter Reacts
A week ago, the Los Angeles Lakers head coaching search was reportedly down to just two candidates, Monty Williams and Tyronn Lue. Then, the Phoenix Suns went out and signed Williams to a five-year deal, which led many to believe the Lakers would soon reach an agreement with Lue, who was reportedly LeBron James "preferred choice."
That didn't happen either. For one, Lue was "insulted" by the Lakers three-year deal. Additionally, the team was reportedly trying to force him to bring on Kurt Rambis and Jason Kidd as assistant coaches.
Now, the Lakers are back to square one. After interviewing former Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic head coach Frank Vogel, the Lakers are reportedly set to speak with ex-Grizzlies coach, J.B. Bickerstaff.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Bickerstaff will be meeting with team owner Jeanie Buss, GM Rob Pelinka, co-owners Joey Buss and Jesse Buss, president of basketball operations Tim Harris, director of special projects Linda Rambis and senior advisor Kurt Rambis, at the team's practice facility in El Segundo, California.
Bickerstaff, who took over as Memphis Grizzlies head coach in November 2017 after David Fizdale was fired, was relieved of his duties on April 11 following a 33-49 season. He previously served as the interim coach for the Houston Rockets in the 2015-16 season after the team fired Kevin McHale. Overall, Bickerstaff has an 85-131 record as an NBA coach.
Other potential candidates for the Lakers vacant coaching position include Mike Woodson, Jason Kidd and Lionel Hollins.