Lakers Rumors: Jeanie Buss, Rob Pelinka Will Meet Monty Williams As Head Coaching Search Continues

The search for the Los Angeles Lakers’ next head coach is heating up as the top decision-makers in the organization get ready to meet with the No.1 candidate. Owner Jeanie Buss and general manager Rob Pelinka will reportedly lead a group that’s set to interview Monty Williams for a second time.

It was reported last week that Williams is viewed as the Lakers’ first choice to replace Luke Walton. Tyronn Lue is also under consideration and will reportedly get a second interview.

Most interesting part of this is the younger Buss siblings getting looped in. Jesse has served as director of scouting while Joey has capably run the G League affiliate, but they have largely been excluded from Lakers basketball operations decisions up to now.
— Bill Oram (@billoram) April 25, 2019

Pelinka has also interviewed Jason Kidd for the position, according to ESPN. Juwan Howard is thought to be a candidate, as well.

Williams is an assistant coach for the Philadelphia 76ers, and he'll be on the bench as the team looks to make a run to the 2019 NBA Finals. Philadelphia is set to face the Toronto Raptors in the second round after defeating the Brooklyn Nets in the first round.

The Lakers could have a lot of competition for Williams. ESPN has reported that the Phoenix Suns want a shot at hiring the 76ers’ assistant after firing Igor Kokoskov, who spent just one year as the team's head coach.

Philadelphia could let go Brett Brown go if the 76ers don't make it past Toronto. Williams might be elevated to head coach, in that case.

Los Angeles is meeting Williams and looking for a new head coach without a team president. There have been rumors that the Lakers are planning to replace Magic Johnson with a general manager of a team that's currently in the playoffs.

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