NBA Rumors: Lakers Next Coach Could Be From Land Of Brotherly Love

The Los Angeles Lakers are cramming right now for a new team president and head coach following the exit of Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Luke Walton respectively. Several names have already cropped up, one of which is not surprising.

That name is Tyronne Lue, someone who coached LeBron James when both were still with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Also, Lue is a former Laker, and somehow it all makes sense. But is he the best mentor the purple and gold can get right now?

There are at least two other names in the mix – Juwan Howard and Monty Williams. Howard is a former teammate of James when both were still with the Miami Heat. They played together for three seasons before the 46-year-old called it a career and became an assistant to head coach Erik Spoelstra. Similar to Lue, it is the relationship angle that has draw Howard to the mix, Lakers Nation reported.

Monty Williams thus becomes the curious candidate in the mix. His credentials include winning an NBA title back in 2005 when he acted as a coaching staff intern with the San Antonio Spurs. The 47-year-old was also the head coach for the New Orleans Hornets/ Pelicans from 2010 to 2015 and was an assistant coach to the US national team under Mike Krzyzewski.

Seeing how the Lakers are looking to turn things around in a hurry, it seems Lue and Williams are in the lead. Hence, a key factor not mention may be the LeBron James angle. If that is to come into play, Lue is the hands-down favorite.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Lakers plan to travel East to meet Williams between games 2 and 3 of the Sixers playoff series. The lull should be more than enough for them to discuss matters. Lue and Howard are scheduled to be interviewed as well.

With the wheels turning to address the head coaching vacancy, it looks like general manager Rob Pelinka will be overlooking everything until a new team president is named. And while some see it as a big task, Pelinka will also be under the radar of team owner Jeanie Buss.

The firing of Luke Walton was seen as controversial to some and this should further spark if the 39-year-old is able to hit it right with the Sacramento Kings, his rumored next stop. There are plenty of loose ends over in Hollywood and Pelinka may need to be careful moving forward.