Lakers Rumors: Anthony Davis’ Opinion To Be Taken ‘Under Consideration’ In Head Coach Search https://t.co/FBufx1hZIn via @lakersnation
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) May 5, 2024
After a rollercoaster of a 2023-24 season, the Los Angeles Lakers’ year ended with a first round exit against the Denver Nuggets.
Los Angeles knew that changes needed to be made and they went for the low-hanging fruit as they dismissed head coach Darvin Ham. For weeks leading up to the playoffs, Ham’s job security was becoming a hotly-discussed topic because of his in-game shortcomings and questionable press conferences and the Lakers decided to cut bait after just two years.
Now, the organization is expected to cast a wide net in their head coaching search with names like Mike Budenholzer, Kenny Atkinson, Tyronn Lue and JJ Redick being mentioned as possible candidates. LeBron James might have a player option for the 2024-25 season he can opt out of, but is expected to have a say in who the team hires.
However, it won’t be just James whom L.A. listens to as they’ll also illicit input from Anthony Davis as well, via Dave McMenamin of ESPN:
“And of course LeBron James’ opinion will be taken into consideration, but not just LeBron James. Anthony Davis as well I’m told,” McMenamin said. “And the team kind of looks as Anthony Davis finally taking the torch from LeBron in the last season-and-a-half. While LeBron can still have the time to process the end of this season as he decides his future with the team, they have another voice and another leader in Anthony Davis whose opinion they will take under consideration.”
The 2023-24 season was a clear indication that Davis had taken more ownership of the team and embraced his role as a leader alongside James. Los Angeles values Davis as a player and partner after they gave him a three-year extension, and they should definitely have him as a stakeholder in key decisions like who to hire as a head coach.
Lakers need to find a starting center to pair with AD in a two-bigs lineup. Use draft picks to trade for Markkanen, Turner, Sengun, or Isaac instead of a third superstar. Then get Caruso, Dort, or Smart as POA perimeter defender. That’s what we need, not a third superstar.
It should be who is the perfect fit. So far Lakers have failed each test since 2020.
To me, the answer to the Lakers’ coaching search should focus on a second starting center and a coach who would embrace a two-big lineup.