‘Injuries Are an Unfortunate Part of This Game’: Lakers’ Assistant Coach Answers Critics After Disappointing Playoff Departure

The 2021 season has ended on a disappointing note for the Los Angeles Lakers. In a first-round matchup with Phoenix Suns, the series fell 4-2 for LeBron James and his army. While it had been an injury-plagued season for them, the defending champions failed to stand tall in the absence of their offensive powerhouse Anthony Davis.

With Frank Vogel at the front office, the Lakers became a dominant side in 2019. A star duo in LeBron James and Anthony Davis, coupled with a strong bench, completed their roster to a title fit. However, this year was different for the bubble champions. They faced a young but ruthless Devin Booker with half-capacity Chris Paul in the postseason. And Suns simply thrashed them in Game 6.

Line of achievements for Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy

Despite a sad moment for the franchise, their assistant coach, Phil Handy is counting on his prolonged success. He joined the Lakers in 2019 alongside Vogel and was a part of their championship run last year. But, he has enjoyed 6 straight years of coaching a Finals team with 3 rings on the way.

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Previously, he met LeBron in Cleveland Cavaliers for 4 Final appearances from 2015 to 2018; locked horns with the Golden State and won a title in 2016. Next in line were the Toronto Raptors (2019) and Lakers (2020), which resulted in championships as well.

So, it’s been quite a remarkable coaching run for Phil Handy. Even though he sighed over the embarrassing defeat this season, his personal career has been on a roll.

Injuries played spoilsport this season

Well, haters have been upfront this time in criticizing the Lakers for not being even close to a consecutive championship. After Lakers’ playoff exit on Thursday night, Phil tweeted about how injuries played a spoilsport for them.

LeBron was benched for most part of the regular season, and Anthony Davis suffered a groin injury in do-or-die playoff games. It’s been rough for the 2020 champions and Phil Handy is shutting out the critics for taking a dig at his team.

Phil has been in the coaching business since 2011 and he has come a long way in success post that. Unfortunately, his streak to the Finals has come to an end this year with the Lakers’ departure from the postseason.

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