After missing the playoffs entirely, the Los Angeles Lakers have parted ways with head coach Frank Vogel. However, they do not seem to have one candidate in mind. In fact, while on ESPN’s First Take, Kendrick Perkins revealed that the Lakers ended up offering him a coaching job.
There has been a lot of discussion around the topic, especially as many wonder what kind of coach the team is looking for.
Nah… the Lakers tried to hire Perkins as an assistant. The front office is not serious pic.twitter.com/z3413pkn1O
— LegendOfWinning (@LegendOfWinning) April 11, 2022
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Vogel’s overall term with the team was limited, especially since he was hired in 2019. The high point of his stint with the Lakers was the 2020 Championship. Unfortunately, the team has struggled to perform in the subsequent seasons.
Why did the Lakers want to hire Kendrick Perkins?
As mentioned, Perkins revealed that the Lakers actually offered him an assistant coaching job. “You know why? Because they wanted me to come in and be that guy that could have Frank Vogel’s back but be respected by the guys in the locker room,” Perkins added.
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Perkins further added that they need someone to hold them accountable, even mentioning Miami Heat’s Udonis Haslem in the process.
Fans react to Perkins’ revelation
SELL THE TEAM @JEANIEBUSS pic.twitter.com/2f1h0vuBGB
— Le5-6 (@deepyy_) April 11, 2022
https://twitter.com/D3X3K/status/1513710239568310273?s=20&t=FL3nT7fRdFQmxezcGWaj_Q
Yall wanna clown him so much but he can’t be that bad he was in the league for long time
— R (@1_24_23_30) April 11, 2022
https://twitter.com/Blevinsburner/status/1513633055541383168?s=20&t=PvhUeq5CK1C8EvVcueTWMQ
😂😂😂
— MoeHoops (@MoeHoops13) April 11, 2022
Imagine listening to perk
— And1Genius (@And1Genius) April 11, 2022
Stephen A was holding back laughter https://t.co/f3ciMOpAZX
— CHANOS (@excitebikee) April 12, 2022
Save for a few speaking in Perkins’ favor, most reactions by fans were slightly negative. They expressed discontent and disbelief over Perkins’ revelations.
One major reason could be the lack of coaching experience on Perkins’ side. The former NBA star has been an analyst for ESPN since 2018, but can easily be seen as a veteran in the NBA world. Furthermore, Perkins has played with players like LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, Rajon Rondo, James Harden, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Kevin Durant, and Kevin Garnett.
Unfortunately, Perkins’ experience does not seem enough for fans to want him as a coach.
Furthermore, the team might just need a fresh approach to win next year.
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Can a coaching change help the Lakers?
After a major roster change, the Lakers were unable to perform during the 2021-22 season. With a series of losses towards the end, they were eventually knocked out of contention, missing out on a place in the playoffs.
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While no one can say for certain, a coaching change might just give the team some perspective.
Who do you think should coach the Lakers? Let us know in the comments below.