The Phoenix Suns’ division rival, the Los Angeles Lakers, will be in the market for a new head coach this offseason.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!L.A. announced on social media that it has dismissed second-year coach Darvin Ham, a few days after losing 4-1 in the first round to the Denver Nuggets.
Lakers Part Ways With Head Coach Darvin Ham pic.twitter.com/or3Bx2mZ5w
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) May 3, 2024
This could actually have a big impact on the Suns and their looming decision to keep or dismiss first-year coach Frank Vogel, as there are going to be limited options for replacements that the Lakers could instead get over Phoenix.
Suns owner Mat Ishbia said Wednesday in his exit interview that “not one discussion’s even been had, let alone a decision being made” in regards to Vogel and that he was having meetings with the team this week.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania detailed a list of potential coaching candidates for the Lakers.
“Sources briefed on the matter say that an extensive search will commence soon, with candidates such as Mike Budenholzer, Kenny Atkinson, JJ Redick and, if he becomes available, Ty Lue among others.”
Lue and the Los Angeles Clippers are currently down 3-2 in their first-round series against the Dallas Mavericks.
Ironically, Vogel was the last Lakers’ coach before Ham, as L.A. moved on from Vogel immediately following the conclusion of the 2022 season.
The Lakers finished 90-74 in the regular season in Ham’s two-year tenure and were swept in the Western Conference Finals last season by the Nuggets before losing in the first-round this year.
Charles Barkley says Suns shouldn’t blame Frank Vogel for shortcomings
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Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau
