Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers are searching for a new head coach. They fired Darvin Ham after he failed to guide them out of the opening round of this season’s playoffs.
GM Rob Pelinka will now begin a thorough search for the next head coach tasked with leading L.A. toward a championship.
Former Lakers head coach Byron Scott believes Pelinka’s next head coach is already with the franchise. He considers LeBron James’ influence within the Lakers organization to mean he should become the league’s latest player-coach.
“My recommendation, the next Laker coach, and out of the eight or nine names that I’ve heard, his name wasn’t on here,” Scott said. “Make LeBron the coach…It’s obvious to me, at least, that he’s making a lot of decisions that’s going on in this organization. From a coaching standpoint to a player standpoint. So, if you’re going to allow him make those decisions, sit on the bench and make those decisions as well. Be the coach as well.”
Scott has a point. James has the authority, experience and basketball knowledge to become a head coach at the NBA level. This would allow him to remain in a playing capacity while managing his own minutes.
Furthermore, James’ move to a hybrid role would empower Anthony Davis to become the undisputed first option for the Lakers on both ends of the floor.
Instilling James as the head coach would be a bold step from Rob Pelinka and the front office. They would be conceding additional power to a player who is already thought to wield considerable influence behind the scenes.
Yet, it could also be the best option. Outside of Mike Budenholzer, there aren’t many elite coaching talents available. If Los Angeles is going to take a risk on a first-time head coach, who better than one of the greatest players in history?
Of course, James would need to welcome such a significant role change. It would undoubtedly signal the beginning of the end of his playing career.
Scott’s idea might seem far-fetched, but in truth, it may be one of the best options available to the Lakers given their current situation and lack of available coaching talent.
