NBA Rumors: Another Veteran Coach Linked to Lakers Head Coaching Job

With the Los Angeles Lakers officially out of the NBA playoff race, the issue on whether Luke Walton will be staying or going is expected to shift into high gear. Several names have been mentioned to possibly replace the 38-year-old, and the attention has now shifted to Jason Kidd.

The consensus on why Walton is likely to be fired is simple – he was not the actual coach that team president Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Rob Pelinka hired when they took over. The only problem there is that Walton has the backing of team owner Jeanie Buss, meaning getting rid of Walton will have to go through a process.

But following the acquisition of LeBron James, Walton found himself in a tough spot. Walton had lesser excuses of failing and the initial target was an NBA playoff spot. The Lakers did start out strong, but the team faded in the homestretch. However, it was more of the health issues and that controversial trade that caused strained relationships from within – some things that were beyond the control of the 38-year-old former Laker.

Last week, the name of Doc Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers was mentioned as a candidate to replace Walton. The 57-year-old mentor rebuffed those beliefs, although some felt that Doc was avoiding the Lakers because of James.

Now, the name of Jason Kidd has been inserted into the fray. According to Lakers Nation, there has been mutual interest between the 46-year-old NBA great and the Lakers as early as January. As far as coaching experience, Kidd coached the Brooklyn Nets (2013-14) and the Milwaukee Bucks (2014-18).

If there is anything that Kidd holds over Walton it is the fact that he has been able to lead the Nets (2013-14) and the Bucks (2014-15 and 2016-17) to the NBA playoffs. However, the times then and now are different, including team composition.

His best showing was with the Nets in 2014 where he had the likes of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Joe Johnson in tow. It was a mix of NBA vets at the twilight of their careers – a far cry from what the Lakers have right now.

The story was different with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2017 where Kidd had Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Greg Monroe. Still, the Bucks were eliminated in the first round by the Toronto Raptors.

With the Lakers, Kidd would have LeBron James at his disposal though it remains he needs more players to help out his star player. Like Walton, Kidd’s tenure may end up meaningless unless he gets added firepower.