With news that Jay Wright is reportedly retiring at Villanova, Lakers fans were hoping he was Los Angeles bound. Insiders offered an immediate answer.
Reaffirming what was already factual, Jay Wright led the Villanova Wildcats to another Final Four appearance this past season before being eliminated by the eventual national champion Kansas Jayhawks. Still, the job that Wright has done with Villanova has been remarkable — but it might also be done.
On Wednesday night, reports began circulating from multiple outlets indicating that Wright is planning on stepping down and effectively retiring at Villanova.
Amid those reports, though, NBA fans — Los Angeles Lakers fans specifically — were immediately ready to put him on the sidelines of the professional ranks, at Crypto.com Arena or otherwise. However, ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski and CBS Sports college hoops insider Matt Norlander both confirmed that’s not in the cards.
Jay Wright, next Lakers head coach? Woj says not so fast
Wright isn’t leaving the Wildcats to coach the Lakers or an NBA team. Instead, he’s effectively ending his coaching career at any level.
This is certainly a shock given that Wright is still clearly at the top of his game in terms of coaching and, as Woj noted, the interest he has garnered from the NBA over the years if he wanted a change of scenery. However, if this is what he wants, then good for him and his decision.
As for Lakers fans, the search will continue for the man who will be tasked with guiding this team out of the hole they dug in a highly disappointing 2021-22 season.