Bring in an established veteran coach
Ideally, I would like to see the Lakers bring in someone like Jeff Van Gundy, who has handled and been successful under bright lights in the past. Regardless, the Lakers have struck out with their last two selections and can’t afford another. While it might be flashy to hire someone like Kevin Ollie or Derek Fisher, the Lakers can’t afford flashy anymore. Their selection of a head coach will lead to how their team will be formed over the next couple of years.
An established coach is going to attract free agent options in the future. The Lakers will always be a desirable destination, but it only helps to add a veteran coach. Think Van Gundy, maybe even Byron Scott or a wildcard like Tom Thibodeau.
The final result you get by bringing in a solid coach with a young core that has experience together is a stepping stone in the road to a title. With players like Lin, Asik, and Nash coming off the books, the Lakers have a ton of cap room for the summer in chase of Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving, and anyone else, while also maintaining a competitive, possibly playoff-contending team.
Donatas Motiejunas