A recent report suggested that a difference of opinion exists between LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers regarding the organization’s coaching search. In the report, veteran coach Doc Rivers was pegged as James’ top option.
In an apparent response to that rumor, a new report has come out to refute the claim. The new wrinkle comes from a source close to Klutch Sports, the agency that represents James.
Source close to Klutch Sports indicated to @ThePaintedLines that, despite recent reporting, Doc Rivers is not thought to be LeBron James’ choice for Lakers.
— Austin Krell (@NBAKrell) May 26, 2022
Throughout much of his career, James has been known as a superstar player who has an incredible amount of power when it comes to the decisions his teams make. The nickname “LeGM” has become popular due to the belief that James has a huge say in the players that his teams sign.
Right now, the Lakers are undergoing a major shift. After entering the 2021-22 NBA season as major threats in the Western Conference, they struggled through one of the most disappointing seasons in recent memory. They not only missed out on the playoffs, but also the play-in tournament.
This offseason, the Lakers will surely look to hire the best possible option at head coach and surround James with the kind of talent he needs to win another title for the Purple and Gold. Though Rivers could be the right man for the job, he’s dealt with some really disappointing playoff losses over the years.
However, based on what is currently known about L.A.’s coaching search, it does not look like Rivers is likely to land with the Lakers.
