Tyronn Lue is closing in on a deal to become the Lakers head coach, as the most recent report from Yahoo’s Chris Haynes indicates the two sides are in the process of working out a contract.
Lue taking over the Lakers coaching role makes tons of sense. He was a member of Lakers title teams in the past, which always feels like a prerequisite in seeking out a job with the team. He also has had the most success of anyone not named Erik Spoelstra as LeBron James’ head coach, which right now is another very important resume point for a potential Lakers hire.
However, it appears the Lakers won’t just be looking to add serious experience with the Lakers and LeBron at the head coaching spot, as there are some big names being floated as potential top assistants. Haynes reported Frank Vogel, former head coach of the Pacers and Magic, has been floated as a potential lead assistant for Lue, while The Athletic’s Frank Isola highlighted an even bigger name that has the approval of LeBron.
Tom Thibodeau, most recently the coach and president of the Timberwolves, apparently has the LeBron stamp and James’ camp has quietly gauged his potential interest in joining the staff in a high-profile assistant role.
The reports of Lue wanting to add his former colleague in Boston, Tom Thibodeau, to his coaching staff are also true. LeBron, through intermediaries, has let it be known that Thibodeau would be a huge asset to have on the bench. LeBron’s close associates were gauging Thibodeau’s interest in becoming a top assistant two weeks ago. It would be similar to the role Mike Brown and Ron Adams serve under Steve Kerr in Golden State.
Isola goes on to note it’s far from a guarantee Thibs would join the Lakers, as he likely prefers to find a head coaching role next and is still making plenty of money from Minnesota, so he isn’t financially pressed to need to take a job immediately. Still, there could be some benefit for Thibodeau to take a job on the Lakers bench, as he could once again remind everyone why he’s considered one of the NBA’s foremost defensive experts if he were able to turn around L.A.’s pitiful defense.
However, he would likely need the full commitment of James on that end to do so, and given what we’ve seen the last two seasons in Cleveland and L.A., that seems like a long shot. In any case, expect the Lakers to look to bolster Lue’s staff with someone with significant head coaching experience to make sure there aren’t any gaps on the coaching staff.
