The Los Angeles Lakers will miss the playoffs this season and the first casualty will likely be head coach Frank Vogel. According to Bleacher Report‘s Jake Fischer, the Lakers intend to fire Vogel after the end of the season and will have a new head coach for 2022-23.
Vogel led the Lakers to the NBA title in 2019-20 but followed that up with two disappointing campaigns. Last season, the LA team was eliminated in the first round of playoffs, while this season, they have failed even to reach the play-in tournament. The Lakers are currently 11th in Western Conference with a 31-48 record and can’t catch the San Antonio Spurs at No. 10 anymore.
With Vogel at the exit door, the Lakers are expected to look into several high-profile candidates. According to NBA correspondent Marc Stein, one frequently mentioned name is Utah Jazz’s Quin Snyder. With the Jazz playing below expectations this season, Snyder might be tempted to explore other options if their campaign ends badly.
Another candidate is Philadelphia 76ers’ Doc Rivers. While Rivers is doing a good job at the moment, his future in Philly will depend on his ability to make a deep playoff run. Current Golden State Warriors Mike Brown and former Orlando Magic head coach Steve Clifford are also believed to be in the mix.
