Doc Rivers Rules Out Laker Coaching Possibility

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.

Doc Rivers quickly shot down the idea of becoming a Laker coach.

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.

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