Lakers Rumors: Phoenix Suns showing interest in Monty Williams
Recent Los Angeles Lakers rumors involve head coaching candidate Monty Williams, who is receiving interest from other teams as well.
There have been plenty of Los Angeles Lakers rumors recently as the team looks to fill two big holes within the organization. With Magic Johnson and Luke Walton parting ways with the organization, the Lakers are in need of a new president of basketball operations and head coach.
The president of basketball operations search has been slow moving. There hasn’t been much on that front outside of Colin Cowherd reported on his radio show that the team has a person lined up to replace Johnson that is working behind the scenes.
On the head coaching front, there has been more activity. While that may not be the normal way to operate a business, it is how the purple and gold are currently doing things.
Right now, three names have been mentioned to take meetings with the Lakers. Former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue, who is believed to be the front runner for the job, met with the team. Miami Heat assistant coach Juwan Howard was also mentioned. The person who has begun picking up steam is Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach, Monty Williams.
All three coaches have ties to LeBron James, which will be important for whoever takes the job. However, the Lakers may have to make a decision quicker than they want, as other teams are beginning their head coaching searches as well.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Williams is being pursued by the Phoenix Suns as well. The Suns fired Igor Koskoskov after one season at the helm. The team planned to bring him back, but they decided to go in another direction.
Williams is one person the team is targeting, which could have played into the timing of Kokoskov’s firing.
Here's a factor in the timing of Kokoskov's dismissal: The Suns are planning to target Philadelphia 76ers assistant Monty Williams, league sources tell ESPN. Lakers are planning a second interview with Williams soon, sources said.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 23, 2019
At this rate, it sounds like Williams will be a head coach again, it is just a matter of which team he will be taking over. Should the 76ers falter in the postseason earlier than anticipated, that job could open up as well. Williams would likely be a candidate there as well.
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Williams was the head coach with the New Orleans Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans for five seasons. He made the postseason twice, losing in the first round both times. He compiled a record of 173-221 in the regular season but is someone that is well respected around the league.