Los Angeles Lakers coaching search centered around Kobe Bryant?
By Bryan Rose
The Los Angeles Lakers have said they likely won’t discuss potential coaching candidates with Kobe Bryant, but don’t think for a moment that Bryant won’t have a hand in the end result.
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Speaking to Kevin Ding, general manager Mitch Kupchak stated that the team wants to hire a coach who will get the most of out their franchise player.
“He’s under contract for two more years, and we think he’s a very integral part of this team,” Kupchak said. “We have to make sure that whoever we hire as a coach can really get the most productivity out of him, whether it’s scoring the ball or playmaking or the threat that he may score.”
It’s an understandable sentiment since it’s Bryant who is the focal point of the Lakers offense, though, may irritate a few fans who believe the franchise puts a little too much emphasis on what Bryant wants.
As for the potential candidates, a handful of names have been thrown into the ring, though experienced coaches like Byron Scott and Mike Dunleavy have been the early rumored favorites.
In regards to Bryant, Kupchak suggested to Ding that the veteran ‘looks good’ in his recovery from the fractured lateral tibial plateau.
Should be an interesting season in Hollywood.