Luke Walton’s tenure as Lakers head coach is expected to end once the 2018-19 season comes to a merciful end in Los Angeles.
Fairly or not, the Lakers did not perform as hoped in LeBron James’ first season and, as such, much of the blame will fall on Walton despite poor roster construction, injuries, and more. While there were a lot of things out of Walton’s control, there is some merit to the criticism of his rotations and coaching decisions, but overall it’s hard not to think he wasn’t exactly given a fair shake.
The constant speculation about who will be the next Lakers coach, with Walton’s firing assumed to be inevitable, has made for some awkwardness in L.A., with top candidates like Ty Lue reaching out to insist no conversations have been had while Walton is still on the bench and Jason Kidd trying to defer similarly but ultimately saying it’s a job he’d have to take if offered.
With as much smoke that’s come out of L.A. regarding a not-so-secret coaching search that will begin soon, oddsmakers have been constantly updating odds on who will be L.A.’s next coach. Walton is currently at 7/1 to still be the coach next season at BetOnline, tied with Lue, but the name at the top of the list is a rather big surprise.
Juwan Howard, the former teammate of James and current Miami Heat assistant coach, is a 4/1 favorite to be at the head of the bench in Los Angeles next year. Tom Thibodeau, Jason Kidd, and Jerry Stackhouse (who is expected to take the Vanderbilt job soon) round out the rest of the favorites. Derek Fisher, David Fizdale, Mark Jackson, Brian Shaw, and Jeff Van Gundy all sit at 12-1.
Beyond those candidates, you can bet on more ridiculous options like Phil Jackson (250/1), Charles Barkley (500/1), LeBron James (500/1) and LaVar Ball (1000/1).
Betting on the Lakers coaching search is a great way to light your money on fire, but if you are so moved, you can find the full odds from BetOnline below.
Lakers Head Coach Game 1 2019-20 Reg. Season
Juwan Howard 4/1
Tyronn Lue 7/1
Luke Walton 7/1
Tom Thibodeau 15/2
Jason Kidd 9/1
Jerry Stackhouse 10/1
Derek Fisher 12/1
David Fizdale 12/1
Mark Jackson 12/1
Brian Shaw 12/1
Jeff Van Gundy 12/1
Sam Cassell 20/1
Adrian Griffin 20/1
Miles Simon 20/1
Becky Hammon 25/1
Doc Rivers 25/1
Stan Van Gundy 33/1
Rick Carlisle 50/1
Rick Pitino 50/1
Erik Spoelstra 50/1
Chris Beard 60/1
John Calipari 60/1
Matt Painter 60/1
Bill Self 66/1
Jay Wright 66/1
Maurice Cheeks 75/1
Tom Izzo 100/1
Coach K 100/1
Sean Miller 100/1
Byron Scott 150/1
Mike Brown 150/1
Phil Jackson 250/1
Charles Barkley 500/1
LeBron James 500/1
Magic Johnson 500/1
LaVar Ball 1000/1
