Tom Thibodeau (Photo : Getty Images)
The LA Lakers was projected as one of the most fervent pursuers of coaching big names, but two of the top candidates are already off the board.
Byron Scott, considered as one of the worst coaches of the 2015-16 season still holds the title of Lakers head coach even as the Wizards' Randy Wittman has already been replaced and Tom Thibodeau is already taking over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Thibodeau is recognized by most as the best unemployed coach prior to the T-Wolves hire. It seems like the Purple and Gold would end up playing the "What if" game again according to the report from Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports which claimed that Thibs was interested in coaching the Lakers.
"Tom Thibodeau always believed he could lure free agents to the Los Angeles Lakers, that the proper structure and vision still makes that franchise the ultimate superstar destination," Wojnarowski wrote. "Thibodeau always had his eyes on the most glamorous job in basketball, but the Lakers hesitated and missed the chance to recruit him."
The Vertical writer added: "Thibodeau does have a big ego, and yes, the bright lights of the Staples Center, the Lakers' prestige, intrigued him. To win a title is most important, yes, but to win with the Lakers would've been historic, and Thibodeau cares about his place in history."
The former Chicago Bulls' coach actually cared about the glamor of his job and the Lakers had the definite edge on him for this reason, but because they hesitated, Thibs chose the most promising team talent wise in Minnesota.
From the Lakers' point of view, it did not seem like as devastating a loss as Wojnarowski painted it out to be because Thibs was never seen as a realistic candidate, as Harrison Faigen of Lakers team site Silver Screen and Roll pointed out.
"For one, it's surprising based on previous reports that Thibodeau really found the Lakers job so intriguing," Faigen said. "Despite fans clamoring for him, he had not been linked to the team by anything more than theoretical coaching wishlists prior to today."
The impression on Thibs is that he is biding his time for the perfect opportunity and the Lakers did not present themselves as that. They don't have any defensive anchors to speak off and their core is composed of sophomores and third year players. Thibodeau, based on reports and interviews, wanted to contend and coach a roster who could run his defensive plays and the Lakers could offer him neither. Another hypothetical question: would Thibs demand control of personnel from the Lakers? If he did, it's unlikely the Lakers would relent.
However, the idea of recruiting for the Lakers is the biggest regret here. Thibodeau on the bench would make the Lakers a real contender for Kevin Durant or Al Horford and Pau Gasol may even consider returning.
What is certain is that the Lakers should stop tarrying on their head coach position. The other teams are making swift moves and the "most glamorous job in basketball" may end up going to a leftover candidate or an undeserving holdover.
