NBA: Lakers Next Head Coach May Be Among First Batch Of Candidates

The Los Angeles Lakers head coaching search continues with several new names in the mix. Among the ones mentioned thus far are Frank Vogel, J.B. Bickerstaff, Mike Woodson, Tom Thibodeau, and Lionel Hollins. The Lakers are practically back to square one although the right guy may already be waiting in the wings from the first set of candidates.

Joining Monty Williams and Tyronn Lue in the first batch of candidates were Juwan Howard and Jason Kidd. With the two top names out, Howard seemed like a logical fit since he holds ties with LeBron James. That factor was seen as important by many although some may have failed to see what 46-year-old brings. Kidd built a reputation of helping develop young talent, notably Khris Middleton and Malcolm Brogdon of the Milwaukee Bucks, USA Today reported. He could do the same with Lonzo Ball, someone who can strike it big with the right guidance and exposure.

But one thing that Kidd lacks is proving a success as a head coach. He wasn't particularly successful with the Bucks, compiling a 139-152 win-loss record in two-and-a-half seasons. The Lakers need a complete package coach, perhaps one of the reasons why they are still on the prowl for one. Should Kidd be interested, the best he could aim for is to be perhaps one of the assistant coaches to whoever becomes the next head coach.

Kidd was actually being considered to serve as deputy to Lue if negotiations went well. He could still be in play although that largely depends on who the Lakers name as their next head coach. Regardless, Kidd is still selling the idea of developing young talent - particularly Ball, ESPN reported. Either way, he best comes in as an assistant and not really the head coach since the Lakers want to turn things around in a hurry.

Of course, one cannot discount the relationship factor Kidd would have with James. Regardless if the three-time NBA champion shoots down that idea, it is a fact that the Lakers top brass are taking that into consideration. With Lue out, Los Angeles needs to find someone willing to risk some credibility and try to get along with James while at the same time ready to take the heat as the purple and gold continue to skim for ways to revert to its winning ways.