- Austin Reaves’ brother responds to rumor of Lakers guard and Taylor Swift linking up
- Rui Hachimura addresses his future with Lakers, reveals what he’s looking for in free agency
- Report: Mavs have signaled ‘little willingness’ to execute Kyrie Irving sign-and-trade with Lakers
- Damian Lillard jabs Lakers for their treatment of Russell Westbrook as he discusses his future in NBA
- Lakers future draft picks: upcoming 1st- and 2nd-round draft picks
- Report: Lakers working out another batch of intriguing prospects
- Eastern Conference GM says it’s Chris Paul’s dream to play with Lakers and LeBron James
- Report: Chris Paul would be ‘very coveted’ by Lakers and Clippers
- C.J. McCollum ranks Anthony Davis over Nikola Jokic as tougher player he’s had to face in playoffs
- Patrick Beverley seemingly opposed to Nick Wright possibly replacing Shannon Sharpe on ‘Undisputed’
Jason Kidd issues surprising announcement regarding Trail Blazers head coaching vacancy
- Updated: June 6, 2021
Portland Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard had made it publicly clear that he wanted Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Jason Kidd to be the next general of the Blazers.
However, it appears Kidd doesn’t share the same alacrity for the partnership. In fact, Kidd is withdrawing his name for consideration from the Blazers’ head coaching vacancy.
“Los Angeles Lakers assistant Jason Kidd has withdrawn him name from consideration for the Portland Trail Blazers head coaching vacancy, he told ESPN on Sunday morning,” wrote Adrian Wojnarowski.
“‘Portland’s a first-class organization and will have great candidates for its head coaching job, but I’ve decided not to be one of them,’ Kidd told ESPN. ‘Whoever they choose will have big shoes to fill from Terry [Stotts].’
“Kidd was ultimately uncomfortable with the idea of pursuing the opening after Blazers star Damian Lillard publicly called for his hiring within hours of Stotts’ departure on Friday night. The public nature of Lillard’s endorsement — telling Yahoo Sports that ‘Jason Kidd is the guy I want’ — left Kidd feeling he would put both Lillard and Portland’s process in an awkward circumstance should he pursue the opening.”
Lillard, 30, told numerous outlets that he desired Kidd to be his coach after the Blazers parted ways with Stotts.
One report portrayed that Kidd had interest in the coaching opportunity in Portland, though that appears nonexistent now.
The Blazers were eliminated by the Denver Nuggets in six games in the first round of the 2021 playoffs. Of course, the loss led to plenty of speculation about Lillard’s future and trade status.
Lillard is one of the best players in the NBA. He had one of his best showcases of his career during the 2021 postseason.
The veteran collected 34.3 points and 10.2 assists per game this playoffs. In addition, he shot a sizzling 46.3 percent from the field, 44.9 percent from downtown and 94.0 percent from the free-throw line in the first round.
The Lakers were bounced by the Phoenix Suns in six games in the first round of the playoffs as well.
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