NBA Veteran Guard Future Hinges On When Lakers Will Get New Head Coach

A lot rests on the shoulders of the Los Angeles Lakers, the most important of which is naming a new head coach to replace Luke Walton. The direction of the purple and gold hinges entirely on that, including the players who will stay on or move to other teams.

That is the case for veteran point guard Rajon Rondo who said that he is likely to leave if no head coach is installed by the Lakers soon when he appeared on ESPN's NBA Countdown. Part of that celebrated trade package for Anthony Davis, it seems the 33-year-old guard is open to staying on with the Lakers if he likes the next chosen one.

“With this point in my career, a head coach is big for me. It’s all about relationship. If they don’t have one, it’s a no go for me,” Rondo said in that interview.

The Lakers are unlikely to react on Rondo's dish, knowing they can always turn to the free agent market and sign up whoever is available. But most know what the 21st pick of the 2006 NBA Draft can do, not to mention guide young rising guards like Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart. He seems to have hit it well with LeBron James on the court, yet another crucial point needed in naming the next head coach for the LA Lakers.

Whether Rondo stays or not is really just a minor issue. It could apply to other players, particularly the veterans who signed one-year deals with the Lakers. Most are eager to see the direction of the Lakers - a task that will inevitably fall on the shoulders of the next head coach and his deputies, Lakers Nation reported.

With Tyronn Lue and Monty Williams struck off the list, the Lakers are back to square one in their search for a head coach. Several names have been mentioned such as Frank Vogel, Mike Woodson, Tom Thibodeau, J.B. Bickerstaff, and Lionel Hollins. They are joined by first-round coaching candidates Jason Kidd and Juwan Howard who are also waiting on the Lakers' decision.

The Lakers in a precarious state with top management coming under fire. Team owner Jeanie Buss will need to come up with something soon as she works with general manager Rob Pelinka on their next move. The 2019 NBA Draft and NBA Free Agency are just around the corner and the Lakers do not have the luxury of time right now.