Los Angeles Lakers: Top Candidates To Replace Byron Scott
1. Kevin Ollie
The Los Angeles Lakers have long built their success through head coaches with larger-than-life personas. The glorious trio of Phil Jackson, John Kundla, and Pat Riley achieved immeasurable glory as brilliant basketball minds who commanded respect.
It’s impossible to project anyone to reach their tier, but Kevin Ollie has the type of personality and reputation that Los Angeles should be searching for.
There’s no guaranteeing that Ollie would take the job, nor is there a failsafe to ensure his success. What Ollie brings to the table, however, is 13 years of NBA experience as a player, tremendous success as a coach on the collegiate front, and a powerful presence in the locker room.
It’s also worth noting that Ollie is close with coveted free agent Kevin Durant—an undeniable influence on his ranking.
The potential for Ollie to persuade Durant, a player whom he mentored as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder, into signing with the Lakers is riveting. Even if that weren’t to occur, Ollie would be the perfect coach to groom the likes of D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, and, if re-signed, Jordan Clarkson.
There’s undeniable risk involved in this hire, but if the Lakers are looking to continue the tradition of hiring larger-than-life personas with a great understanding of the game, Ollie is the coach to target.