“Lakers Don’t Need a Choker”: Doc Rivers’ 5 Word Venom at Lebron James’ Team Incites Harsh Fan Reactions

The Los Angeles Lakers had a season to forget after they failed to clinch a playoff spot. After winning the 2019-20 championship in the bubble, they failed to reach the second round of playoffs in the 2020-21 season. They were eliminated in the first round 4-2 by Phoenix Suns, the eventual finalist. Then the Lakers signed former MVP Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony to team up with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. But things took a turn for the worse this season which has led the Lakers front office to fire the head coach Frank Vogel.

It is rumored that Doc Rivers is a potential candidate to replace Frank Vogel. But Doc Rivers’ reply to the rumor has angered the Lakers’ faithful. And harsh reactions followed. One fan replied, “Good stay in Philly, Lakers don’t need a choker”. In the Easter conference semi-final last season, the #1 seeded 76ers lost to the #5 Hawks. The Philadelphia 76ers succumbing under pressure was an invitation for the trolls to call them ‘chokers’.

Doc Rivers’ coaching career

Doc Rivers has a regular-season record of 1043 wins and 735 losses. And, his postseason record stands at 98 wins and 94 losses. In his 23rd season as head coach, Doc Rivers has coached four different teams. But he has won the title only once in 2008 with the Celtics. Notably, the veteran coach’s Celtics team defeated the Lakers in the finals 4-2.

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Potential candidates for Lakers

Nick Nurse is one of the most talented coaches in the NBA right now. He has won the NBA championship in his very first year as head coach for the Toronto Raptors in 2019. Incidentally, it is the Toronto Raptors’ first-ever NBA championship.

If the Lakers’ front office were to look for a replacement from the inside, they could look at David Fizdale. He was one of Frank Vogel’s assistant coaches this past season. He also has head coaching experience with Memphis Grizzlies and New York Knicks.

Lakers’ treatment of Frank Vogel

Even though Frank Vogel had helped the Lakers win a championship in 2019-20, it wasn’t surprising to see the Lakers part ways with him. The expectations are always high in the city of angels. 

However, the manner in which he was let go was harsh. The Lakers won their last regular-season game against the Denver Nuggets 146-141. And, during the post-game press conference, the news was broken to Vogel. A frustrated Frank Vogel said, “I haven’t been told sh*t and I’m going to enjoy tonight’s game, celebrate what these young guys did in terms of scratching and clawing and getting back in this game and getting a W, and we’ll deal with tomorrow, tomorrow.” [H/T ESPN]

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While the head coaching position for the LA Lakers with LeBron James is attractive, the Lakers’ treatment of Frank Vogel might not sit well with some candidates. Who do you want to be the Lakers head coach?