NBA Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns Competing For Same Head Coaching Candidate

The Phoenix Suns fired head coach Igor Kokoskov Monday night, and the organization reportedly did so with an eye on his replacement. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Phoenix plans to make a play for Philadelphia 76ers’ assistant coach Monty Williams.

Williams is a top candidate for another head coaching job. He’s already had one interview with the Los Angeles Lakers, who reportedly view the coach as their No.1 choice to replace Luke Walton. Both Williams and Tyronn Lue will get a second interview with Los Angeles, according to Wojnarowski.

The Suns and Lakers might have to wait some time before finding out if Williams wants to be their head coach. The assistant could be in line to replace Brett Brown in Philadelphia if the 76ers fail to reach the Eastern Conference Finals, and it’s reportedly the job that Williams prefers.

A year after winning an NBA-worst 21 games, Phoenix went just 19-63 in the 2018-2019 season. The Suns are tied with the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers for the best odds to win the lottery and a chance to draft Zion Williamson with the No.1 overall pick.

Phoenix is looking to hire their seventh head coach in eight seasons. Kokoskov was fired after just one year with the Suns.

The Suns are still rebuilding with a roster that’s made up of several recent top draft picks. The Lakers will likely have a late lottery pick in June’s draft, but they are expected to compete right away. Los Angeles is hoping to sign a star free agent this summer a year after landing LeBron James.

The Lakers will try to trade for Anthony Davis this summer, as well. Williams was Davis’ head coach with the New Orleans Pelicans, where he totaled a 173-221 record from 2010-2015.

The NBA playoffs don’t feature the Lakers or Suns for the sixth straight year.