The Laker have a long list of coaching candidates. Names such as Tom Thibodeau, Byron Scott, Kevin Ollie, and John Calipari have been mentioned as the initial list. The list expanded to Mike Dunleavy Sr., Derek Fisher, Jeff Van Gundy, Kurt Rambis, and George Karl.
One long shot possibility was Doc Rivers. With the recent issues about the Clipper organization and possible sale to new ownership, there was a possibility that Doc Rivers may want to leave. Donald Sterling may take the case to court and prolong the trial to stay as the owner for Clippers.
Growing fear in NBA offices: Sterling files a lawsuit and starts deposing EVERYBODY. Asks team personnel if their owner ever got racial
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) May 1, 2014
Doc Rivers quickly shot down the idea of becoming a Laker coach.
Doc Rivers was blindsided by questions about coaching the Lakers. Shook his head. "I'm the Clippers coach. I'm not even going to go there. "
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) May 1, 2014
Clippers Doc Rivers laughed & said no comment on whether he could work for Lakers Jim Buss.Responded Doc: "Ask Mark (Jackson) that question"
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) May 2, 2014
Still, the coaching position is open and there is a lot of interest around league, more so than after Mike Brown’s stint was completed. Doc Rivers deflected the question to Mark Jackson.
Chances are, the Laker organization will be thorough with the interview process and complete that first set of rounds before finalizing the coaching decision. Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak will be running the interview process as if it was the NBA draft, running coaches through a workout and seeing who comes out on top. At least, they’re exploring all possibilities.
The busy offseason has just begun in L.A.