Former Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau. (Photo : Getty Images)
The outspoken fans of the LA Lakers have vehemently asked for head coach Byron Scott's head on a silver platter.
One of the popular choices to replace him on the Lakers bench is former Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau. However, that is probably a pipe dream that won't happen for the Tinseltown franchise. According to Basketball Insiders' Steve Kyler, Thibs would probably pass, if he hasn't already.
In response to a question about Thibodeau possibly coaching the Minnesota Timberwolves, Kyler might have implied that the Lakers are out of the running.
"I know Thibodeau passed on jobs this past summer because he did not want to go backwards and have to endure 45-50 loss seasons." Could the Lakers position be one of those "jobs?"
He adds: "I think landing with a team that's a coach away is more appealing for both (referring to former coach Jeff Van Gundy). "
Kyler explains that money is not a motivation for the Bulls coach at this time. "Thibbs is still on Chicago's payroll so he didn't have anything reason to not take the 'ideal' job. Money does change the equation, but I don't know that the Wolves would be best served with a task-master type like Thibbs."
It was rumored that the Lakers pursued Thibodeau last summer, but according to this report from Lakers Nation the Lakers may balk at paying another coach while Byron Scott is still under contract.
However, there is also a rumor that Lakers Nation did not confirm. "Thibodeau has been linked to the Lakers as there was also a rumor that he would be willing to sit out a year and wait for the Lakers job to be open next summer as Byron Scott's contract will run out."
If Thibodeau really wants a team that's "a coach away," the Houston Rockets are an option. This is almost the same roster as last season's Western Conference Finalists, but coaching a combination of James Harden and Dwight Howard might be far more challenging than Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah.
