Kenny Atkinson and Terry Stotts: A Battle of Coaching Talent Emerges in the Race for the Lakers Job

The Search for a New Head Coach

The Los Angeles Lakers are currently on the lookout for a new head coach, and they recently interviewed Kenny Atkinson and Terry Stotts for the position. Atkinson, who currently serves as an assistant coach under Steve Kerr with the Golden State Warriors, was given the opportunity to interview with the Lakers. It’s worth noting that Mike Brown, another assistant coach from the Warriors, was recently hired as the head coach for the Sacramento Kings. If the Lakers decide to offer Atkinson the job, he would be the second Golden State Warriors assistant coach to be promoted to head coach on the West Coast.

Kenny Atkinson has previously coached the Brooklyn Nets for nearly four seasons before stepping down in 2020. During his tenure, Atkinson achieved a record of 118-190, with one winning season and one postseason appearance. Although his overall record may not be the most impressive, the Lakers seem to be interested in his coaching abilities.

Another candidate that caught the Lakers’ attention is Terry Stotts, who served as the head coach for the Portland Trail Blazers for nine seasons, from 2012 to 2021. Stotts led the Trail Blazers to eight consecutive postseason appearances, an impressive feat. However, the team faced early exits in five out of their last seven playoff runs. Stotts has also had head coaching roles with the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks, although he experienced two losing seasons with both teams. Throughout his NBA coaching career, Stotts has accumulated a record of 517-486.

Interviewing Assistant Coaches

In addition to Atkinson and Stotts, the Lakers recently conducted interviews with two assistant coaches who have recently celebrated victories in the NBA. Darvin Ham, an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks, played a significant role in their championship-winning season. Adrian Griffin, an assistant coach for the Toronto Raptors, was also interviewed by the Lakers. Both coaches bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table, making them potential viable options for the head coaching position.

Impatience and Disappointment

Jeanie Buss, the controlling owner and president of the Los Angeles Lakers, expressed her impatience and disappointment with the team’s performance in a recent interview with the LA Times. Buss, who made history as the first female controlling owner to win a major sports championship, had high hopes for the Lakers following their 2020 championship win in the NBA Bubble.

However, the Lakers failed to meet expectations in the 2021-2022 season. Despite having the fourth-highest payroll in the league, they did not even qualify for the Play-In Tournament and missed the playoffs altogether. This outcome was a huge letdown for Buss, who expressed her disappointment and acknowledged the disappointment they caused to loyal Lakers fans.

Buss made it clear that despite the team’s struggles, there are no plans to trade away superstar players like LeBron James or Anthony Davis. She firmly believes that the Lakers can still win championships with their current roster; they just need to find the right head coach to lead the team.

Conclusion

The Los Angeles Lakers are actively searching for a new head coach to guide their star-studded roster. After considering candidates like Kenny Atkinson and Terry Stotts, the team is carefully weighing their options to make the best decision for the future. Jeanie Buss, the Lakers’ controlling owner, is determined to bring another championship to the franchise and is growing impatient with recent setbacks. As the search continues, Lakers fans eagerly await the appointment of a new head coach who can reignite the team’s winning spirit.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Will the Lakers trade LeBron James or Anthony Davis?

No, Jeanie Buss has firmly stated that there are no plans to trade away either superstar player. The Lakers believe they can win championships with their current roster.

2. Who are the top candidates for the head coaching position?

Kenny Atkinson and Terry Stotts are among the top candidates being considered for the head coaching role. Both bring valuable coaching experience to the table and have achieved success in their respective careers.

3. What were the Lakers’ expectations for the 2021-2022 season?

Following their 2020 championship win, the Lakers had high expectations for the 2021-2022 season. However, they fell short of making the playoffs, which was a significant disappointment for the team and its fans.

4. How important is finding the right head coach for the Lakers?

Finding the right head coach is crucial for the Lakers’ success. Jeanie Buss believes that a capable head coach can make a significant impact on the team, ultimately leading them to another championship.

5. What role does Jeanie Buss have in the Lakers organization?

Jeanie Buss is the controlling owner and president of the Los Angeles Lakers. She is actively involved in the team’s decision-making process and is dedicated to bringing success to the franchise.

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Doug I. Jones

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