Lakers only NBA team with no coach after Cavaliers hire David Blatt
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On Friday, the Cleveland Cavaliers hired David Blatt as head coach to replace Mike Brown, who was fired in May.
The Lakers are now the only NBA franchise without a coach.
While Blatt was born in Boston, he has never coached in the NBA. He is, rather, one of the international game’s top coaches, recently taking Maccabi Tel Aviv to the Euroleague title.
The Lakers did not interview Blatt for their position, open since Mike D’Antoni resigned in April.
A number of teams have switched coaches this summer including the Golden State Warriors (Steve Kerr), New York Knicks (Derek Fisher), Minnesota Timberwolves (Flip Saunders), Detroit Pistons (Stan Van Gundy), Utah Jazz (Quin Snyder) and Cavaliers.
Alvin Gentry, one of the few coaches the Lakers have interviewed, was named associate head coach of the Warriors under Kerr.
The Lakers have also interviewed assistant coach Kurt Rambis, who may leave the organization to join Fisher with the Knicks.
That could leave Byron Scott, Mike Dunleavy and Lionel Hollins as the three remaining candidates who have been interviewed by the team.
The Lakers could certainly expand their list, but it appears a hire isn’t likely until after the June 26 NBA draft, or perhaps even after the free agency period opens at 9 p.m. Pacific June 30.
The Lakers may not name a head coach until the middle of next month. As the only team in the league with a vacancy, they may feel time is on their side.
Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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