Key Takeaways:
– Mike Budenholzer is seen as the frontrunner to replace Darvin Ham as Lakers head coach.
– Budenholzer’s successful career includes an NBA Championship and two Coach of the Year awards.
– For Budenholzer to join the Lakers, he is keen on an eight-figure salary and significant control over team matters.
– ESPN suggests the Lakers should invest significantly in a high-profile coach like Budenholzer.
– The coaching role at Lakers is viewed as exceptionally demanding, with three dismissals since LeBron James’ arrival in 2018.
Budenholzer Likely Frontrunner
Former Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer, celebrated for his impressive coaching achievements, is currently considered the front-runner to take over the Lakers’ head coaching role. Budenholzer boasts an exemplary resume, including two NBA Coach of the Year titles and an NBA Championship, positioning him as an almost natural choice for this high-profile role.
Career Highlights and Successes
Beginning his journey with the Spurs as a video coordinator, Budenholzer flourished as a coach during his five years at the Hawks. He led the team to its first-ever 60-win season and their deepest playoff run in almost half a century. In his subsequent five years with the Bucks, Budenholzer continued to shine as he guided the team to an NBA Championship, the team’s first in 50 years.
Stumbling Block: Coach’s High Price Tag
However, there may be a stumbling block in the Lakers’ path to hiring Budenholzer. According to industry insiders, Budenholzer is seeking a hefty eight-figure salary, a price range that few in the league can command. Former coach Ham’s contract was significantly lesser, at $5 million annually.
ESPN insider Brian Windhorst shared on a recent episode of “Get Up” that the Lakers might need to make a substantial financial commitment to acquire Budenholzer. “It’s going to take eight figures a year to hire Mike Budenholzer,” Windhorst said. Notably, Budenholzer also desires a strong say in roster decisions – a condition the Lakers will need to heed.
ESPN’s Stephen A Smith urged the Lakers to invest heavily to secure a top-notch coach rather than settle for less-experienced options. “You’ve got to pay,” Smith emphasized on ESPN’s “First Take.”
The Tortuous Task of a Lakers Coach
In recent years, becoming the Lakers’ head coach has proved to be a formidable role. Since LeBron James joined the team in 2018, three coaches — Luke Walton, Frank Vogel, and Ham — have been dismissed. This track record has fueled perceptions that the role is ruthless and daunting, particularly for novice coaches.
An upcoming coach like JJ Redick, the second likeliest candidate to succeed Ham according to oddsmakers, could face significant challenges if he takes on this position. If chosen, Redick would be steering into tumultuous waters for his first NBA head coaching role.
Timeline for Next Coach Announcement
Anticipating the NBA Draft on June 26-27, the Lakers are likely to finalize their new head coach selection before this date. The new coach’s input will play a critical role in aspects like drafting, scouting, and free-agent decisions.
As the fervor of speculation grows, fans and critics alike hold their breath to see who will navigate the Lakers through their next chapter.