The Lakers announced yesterday that they will not further pursue Derek Fisher as a possible candidate for the Lakers HC position. No reason was given for the decision. One down and how many to go?
As much as I like D-Fish, I am glad they are not pursuing him as a candidate. I think we need a coach with some experience. I'd like to see us get a coach who can teach the young guys and have the respect of the vets. That type of coach is also going to attract FA's.
My top 5 in order:
1.) Larry Brown - I know many disagree because of his age. But the guy is one of the best teachers in the game and has the respect of vets as well. He is Phil/Pop level as far as knowledge of the game and respect. Besides, I'm just not ready to jump off this bandwagon (even if I'm the only one on it.).
2.) Byron Scott - I used to have him lower on my list because I have concerns about him having 2 teams essentially mutiny on him. However, he has made it no secret that he wants this job and wants it badly. He has even gone as far as to say that he is the best candidate for the job. That goes a long way with me, and I love the confidence. Plus, word is that he is close with Kyrie Irving which tells me that he may be attractive to FA's, particularly younger ones. I just hope he has learned from what happened at his 2 stops where there were issues.
3.) JVG - He would be my #2 choice if not for Scott wanting this job so badly. He is very knowledgeable about the game and while he is a "players coach", he is feisty enough (and has enough respect from vets) to be able tell Kobe and other vets to stfu if he feels it's necessary.
4.) Lionel Hollins - I've never understood what happened in Memphis. He is an excellent coach and more important, he is an excellent defensive coach. My only concern with him is how good is he at coaching offense? We had a defense first coach in Mike Brown and it didn't work. The we had an offense first coach in D'Antoni which also didn't work (even if he never really got to work with a full roster). I think the Lakers need a coach who can coach both ends of the floor effectively. Hire Hollins and re-hire D'Antoni as offensive coordinator?
5.) Mark Jackson - I don't know if the Lakers have any interest in him or not and I think that at least part of the problem in GSW was his ego. However, he seems to be well-liked by NBA players (thus attractive to FA's), but he has the feel of a coach who could wear out his welcome fairly quickly.
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