The Los Angeles Lakers’ coaching search continues. They have interviewed potential candidates in hopes of finding the ideal coach. So far, the Lakers interview Tyronn Lue and Monty Williams. Lue is the former head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Williams is an assistant coach for the Philadelphia 76ers. Both candidates have been considered as candidates since the end of the regular season. Now, another candidate has joined the conversation. According to reports, the Lakers interviewed Jason Kidd for the head coaching position.
On Monday, Kidd met with the Lakers to discuss the head coaching position. He is the third candidate the Lakers have interviewed for the position. Lue and Williams are expected to have follow up interviews, but Kidd is still a possibility.
According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and team executive Kurt Rambis conducted the interview. The interview was held at the team’s practice facility and lasted several hours.
Kidd started his coaching career in 2013. He became the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets after retiring from the league. He retired on June 3, 2013, and became the head coach nine days later. The Nets finished 44-38 under Kidd but lost in the Conference Semifinals of the playoffs. Then, Kidd became the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks acquired Kidd in a trade in exchange for two second-round picks.
Kidd coached the Bucks for three and a half seasons with the Bucks fired Kidd midway through the 2017-2018 season. This was the last time Kidd coached.
This season, the Lakers finished 10th in the Western Conference. They had a record of 37-45. This was a slight improvement from last season’s 35-47, but not enough to secure Luke Walton’s job.
At the end of the regular season, the Lakers and their head coach Luke Walton mutually parted ways. The decision happened after former team president Magic Johnson stepped down from the position. Walton left the Lakers and became the head coach of the Sacramento Kings.
Kidd is a Hall-of-Fame guard, a one-time NBA Champion, a multi-time All-Star and Co-Rookie of the Year. He was a point guard with an excellent court vision and a high basketball IQ. He was also an Olympic teammate of LeBron James in 2008.
The Lakers need a head coach to lead them in the right direction. They also need a coach that James and the young Lakers will be receptive to. Jason Kidd could be the coach that they need.
The search for a new coach continues, but the Lakers may have already found the ideal candidate. Kidd could be a good fit who will help the Lakers become the playoff-bound team they are.
Featured image courtesy of Getty Images
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