Lakers News: Here Are the Latest Odds for LA’s New Head Coach
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The Los Angeles Lakers, following a brief postseason run that ended at the hands of the Denver Nuggets, have parted ways with head coach Darvin Ham after just two seasons.
The Lakers’ management, with Rob Pelinka at the helm, is now actively searching for a new head coach, marking the team’s third coaching change in as many years.
While the Lakers’ struggles cannot be solely attributed to coaching decisions, a change in leadership is the chosen course of action, as self-replacement for the general manager is not on the table.
The speculation about Ham’s successor is already underway, with betting analysts weighing in on potential candidates. Adam Thompson of Bookies.com has provided a list of likely contenders with corresponding odds.
Budenholzer is the Odds on Favorite
Topping the list is Mike Budenholzer, a former head coach for the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks, with odds set at +400. He is closely followed by Chris Quinn, the Miami Heat’s lead assistant coach, at +500. Other notable names include former Villanova coach Jay Wright at +600, and Sam Cassell, a seasoned assistant coach with the Boston Celtics, at +650.
Phil Handy, who served as an assistant under Ham and was also dismissed, is considered a long shot with odds of +700. Frank Vogel, previously let go by the Lakers and now with the Phoenix Suns, stands at +850.
Becky Hammon, who currently coaches the Las Vegas Aces, and JJ Redick, a former NBA player and LeBron James’ podcast co-host, are also in the mix with odds of +1000 and +1200, respectively. The field, or any other potential candidates, carries +500 odds.
Bigger Changes Need To Be Made
The Lakers’ leadership, including Rob Pelinka and owner Jeanie Buss, may need to reflect on the organization’s direction. The team has not seen a head coach serve longer than three years since Phil Jackson’s departure in 2011, a trend that includes Frank Vogel, who led the team to a championship in his inaugural season.
Despite some questionable lineup choices, Ham’s tenure did not include any major missteps that would typically justify a dismissal, especially considering the team’s unexpected Western Conference Finals appearance the year prior.
The current Lakers roster lacks the athleticism and sharpshooting prowess to compete at the highest level, and even the most skilled coach would face significant challenges in pursuing the franchise’s 18th championship with this squad.