Former Lakers coach Phil Jackson. (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)
The Los Angeles Lakers coaching search will involve input from former coach Phil Jackson after the franchise fired Frank Vogel.
The Lakers need a new head coach so they’re turning to an old one for advice.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, Phil Jackson is “significantly involved” in LA’s coaching search for Frank Vogel’s replacement.
Jackson was consulted in Vogel’s hire, so his influence on the franchise remains strong.
Phil Jackson is helping the Lakers with their coaching search
Getting input from a legend like Jackson isn’t inherently a problem. However, maybe the Lakers should try a different approach this time.
After all, Vogel never seemed like a particularly popular hire. He did win a championship, no one can take that from him, but it came in the NBA COVID bubble with LeBron James and Anthony Davis doing what was expected of them. The head coach of that team was never going to get much credit for their success and the fact that they haven’t had much to speak of since is why Vogel doesn’t have a job anymore.
Realistically the Lakers need more than just a head coach change. They need to adjust the way they operate in general with a front office overhaul. It’s still telling that they’re turning to the same figures to make the same tired decisions that have kept this team from becoming a dynasty.
If fans in Los Angeles were hoping for some innovation or imagination in their next hire, this isn’t the news that will convince them it’s coming.