It is not a surprise for the Lakers community to be hearing the news that the organization is expected to part ways with the head coach, Frank Vogel. Vogel has been with the Lakers since 2019 but may say goodbye when the 2022 season ends. It was reported by Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report after the front office leaked the information.
Perhaps, it might not be fair to blame Vogel for all the Lakers’ struggles, In the scenario, if Vogel is later fired, there are two potential head coaches who are linked to replace him. They are the Philadelphia 76ers’ Doc Rivers and Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder.
Facing elimination tonight, the Lakers are still expected to part ways with coach Frank Vogel at season’s end. Two names most often linked by league figures as potential replacements currently coach other teams: Quin Snyder and Doc Rivers. More at @BR_NBA: https://t.co/ldgWmgZMyu
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) April 5, 2022
Doc Rivers
Named one of the 15 greatest coaches in NBA history, Rivers is a 60-year-old NBA head coach who was previously a former NBA player as well. He once played for the Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks, and San Antonio Spurs back in the 90s. He started to coach in 1999 with the Orlando Magic.
Then, in 2004, he was hired by Boston Celtics where he led his team to the 2008 NBA Champion. In 2008 and 2011, Rivers also received a two-time NBA All-Star Game Head Coach award. Later in 2013, he moved to be LA Clippers’ head coach. In 2020, he went to Philadelphia until the present day.
“Doc Rivers, the Philadelphia 76ers’ head coach, is another active bench leader being mentioned by league personnel as a potential Lakers candidate,” said Fischer.
“Rivers has also been linked by several league sources as a potential replacement for the Jazz, in the event Snyder does depart Utah.”
As disappointing as the Lakers can be, the team still has LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Although both have faced several injuries and the team lack chemistry, perhaps a change of the head coach is another way to become how the Lakers used to be, a champion.
The Lakers’ vacancy will attract many candidates. This includes Utah Jazz head coach, Quin Snyder.
Quin Snyder
“I’ve likewise heard (Quin) Snyder’s name posed as a probable Los Angeles Lakers candidate should the Lakers and Frank Vogel part ways after what has been a nightmare season in Hollywood,” ESPN Insider Marc Stein wrote.
Obviously, the rumor about the possible firing of Frank Vogel has been going on for quite some time and Snyder’s name has been mentioned several times.
“Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder is perhaps most often mentioned by league figures as a possible Vogel replacement. For now, Snyder remains entrenched in Utah and told Andy Larsen of the Salt Lake Tribune: “My focus is on our guys and our team. And as I said, addressing hypotheticals in these types of questions in any form I feel like is disrespectful,” Fischer said Tuesday morning.
The Jazz, like the Lakers, is struggling upon heading to the playoffs. In this case, Snyder’s future seems less certain with the Jazz. Perhaps, moving in together with the Lakers could be Snyder’s way to success, as he has been coaching since 1992.