The Los Angeles Lakers wasted no time shaking things up after their early exit from the playoffs, bidding farewell to head coach Darvin Ham. In his two seasons at the helm, Ham guided the team to back-to-back playoff appearances, but that wasn't enough to secure his spot.
The Lakers are now on the hunt for a new head coach, and one name making the rounds is Kenny Atkinson, currently an assistant coach with the Warriors. Atkinson, who joined the Warriors in 2021, tasted immediate success, snagging an NBA championship in his first season on the sidelines. Prior to his stint with the Warriors, Atkinson had coaching stints with the Brooklyn Nets and assistant roles with the Clippers, Hawks, and Knicks.
However, Atkinson is not the only contender. According to reports, the Lakers are also eyeing former player JJ Redick, along with seasoned coaches like Mike Budenholzer and Ty Lue, provided the latter becomes available. The decision to part ways with Ham was tough, but Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka expressed gratitude for Ham's efforts and emphasized the team's commitment to delivering top-notch basketball.
The Warriors, on the other hand, are facing a bit of a brain drain on their bench, with Mike Brown leaving for the Kings, Jama Mahlalela departing for Toronto, and the tragic loss of assistant coach Dejan Milojevic this season. Despite these setbacks, the Warriors are likely to remain a strong force in the NBA.
Atkinson, being a sought-after coach, had previously declined an offer from the Hornets last season, despite initially agreeing to it. With his success and experience, Atkinson could be the fresh perspective the Lakers need to bounce back stronger next season.
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