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The Los Angeles Lakers don’t have a “clear Plan B” in their coaching search after striking out on UConn head coach Dan Hurley according to a new report.
Hurley agreed to a contract extension with the Huskies on Monday, putting an end to his candidacy for the Lakers job.
While many believe the Lakers will pivot back to JJ Redick, who seemed to be leading the race for the job before Hurley’s name surfaced, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports that may not be the case.
Los Angeles Lakers Lack Of A Plan B Could Push LeBron James To Another Team
“In talking to different people today, there has not been a clear Plan B for the Lakers from this situation,” Buha said in a video on his YouTube page on Tuesday. “I thought that this was likely going to just be a five-day interlude and the Lakers would go back to the JJ Redick well and try to circle back and mend fences and just go back and make him the front runner or the favorite or whatever term you want to use again and that would be the likely outcome.
“But in having conversations with people in and outside of the organization today it has been a mixed bag in terms of what is the Plan B.”
On one hand, it’s probably smart for the Lakers to take stock and evaluate all their options.
But the lack of direction is certainly concerning. Especially amid reports that LeBron James plans to opt out of his contract and enter free agency when the league year ends.
The Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors are all purported suitors for James. And while LA remains the favorite to retain his services, it’s certainly not a given.
Especially if the Lakers can’t seem to figure out what direction they want to take the franchise.