Frank Vogel's Inability To Handle Russell Westbrook Factored Into Ouster

Frank Vogel is out of a job after he was fired by the Los Angeles Lakers following a disappointing 2021-22 NBA season.

Although some feel that there are more reasons behind the franchise’s inability to make big strides this season, the 48-year-old coach has not been spared from blame.

One of the reasons behind the ouster of Vogel is allegedly because he failed to manage Russell Westbrook, The Athletic reported.

The Lakers took in the 2017 NBA MVP, hoping his addition would help boost the Lakers’ chances of winning another NBA title.

But as most know, the Westbrook experiment failed miserably.

Despite being known as a triple-double monster machine, the nine-time All-Star struggled to blend in with the system of the Lakers.

Regardless, Vogel is being singled out as the scapegoat by the same people who batted for Westbrook in the last offseason.

Sam Quinn of CBS Sports suggested that the move was part of their efforts to save their jobs.

But the reality is that Vogel is no longer around and the Lakers are now in search of a new head coach.

Many-time champion and former Lakers coach Phil Jackson is helping out, a move that has drawn criticism from pundits, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported.

Several names have been mentioned to take over from Vogel. That list includes Quinn Snyder and former Lakers coach Mike Brown.

With LeBron James still around, one aspect that needs to be factored in is that the coach will have to find ways to co-exist with the 37-year-old cager.

Someone with a strong voice that can command stars and vets is reportedly a requirement.

Given that James is a player that is not easy to tame, whoever is named to succeed Vogel will be in for rough days ahead.

Tied to that, the new head coach will set the tone on how the Lakers can redeem themselves after two disappointing seasons.