NBA Rumors: Pat Riley Return To Lakers Is Like Shooting For The Stars

Pat Riley and LeBron James — Pat Riley was not pleased with LeBron James' departure but believes he made the right choice. Pictured: Miami Heat's president Pat Riley (L) holds the trophy and shares a laugh with one of his players, LeBron James, after presenting James with the USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year award at halftime during their NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks in Miami, Florida, Jan. 2, 2013. REUTERS/Andrew Innerarity

Right now, the Los Angeles Lakers are scampering for a head coach to succeed Luke Walton. Equally important is the team president position which Earvin "Magic" Johnson vacated. There have been some names floated, but one of most interesting figures is Pat Riley of the Miami Heat.

Riley is no stranger to the Lakers organization. He suited up for Los Angeles from 1970 to 75 and was a member of the 1972 NBA champion squad. He would eventually join the Lakers coaching staff in 1979 before getting bumped up to the head coaching position in 1981. He delivered five NBA titles to the Lakers (1982, 1985, 1987, 1988 and 2006) before leaving the franchise in 1990.

With a well-decorated career in Hollywood, it does make sense for the Lakers to consider the current Miami Heat big boss. However, the 74-year-old NBA figure said that while he has a history with the Lakers, it is not something that he wants to do right now, according to the Bleacher Report.

Riley talked to Magic, but said he won't go to Lakers. He says this is where he will finish his career. "I am not going to comment on another team's misfortunes. There is no doubt I have a history with that team, a lot of friends in the organization."
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) April 13, 2019

Regardless of Riley's response, critics are still left with the impression that the Lakers will leave the door open. A lot of it has to do with the fact that team owner Jeanie Buss is hell-bent on turning things around for the Lakers and that the word out is that they will pursue Riley, Local10.com reported.

Much of this was discussed by Stephen A. Smith and Michael Wilbon on ESPN's First Take, sharing their opinions although there were some loose ends. One includes the relationship Riley has with LeBron James.

Stephen A Smith on Lakers owner Jeanie Buss being interested in hiring Pat Riley to replace Magic Johnson pic.twitter.com/AWtVNWZj43
— gifdsports (@gifdsports) April 19, 2019

James and Riley were together in Miami from 2010 to 2014 before the three-time NBA champion opted to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. It was seen as a rocky split between the two although Smith believes that Riley could probably have a better chance at rekindling NBA glory if he returns to Hollywood.

Like the Lakers, the Heat are in rebuilding mode as well. While the big story last season was the send-off of Dwyane Wade, Riley and head coach Eric Spoelstra is expected to study and possibly revamp their roster for a better showing next NBA season.

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