Los Angeles Lakers lose out on Monty Williams to Phoenix Suns
The Los Angeles Lakers head coaching search will be with one less candidate, as Monty Williams agreed to become the head coach of the Phoenix Suns.
The Los Angeles Lakers have had a busy offseason already. With Magic Johnson and Luke Walton leaving the organization, they are without a president of basketball operations and head coach.
The head coaching spot has been where a lot of their attention has gone thus far. They have interviewed a number of candidates, as Monty Williams, Tyronn Lue, Juwan Howard and Jason Kidd have all met with Lakers brass.
On Friday morning, their decision on who should become head coach became a little easier as one of their options was taken off the board.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Williams agreed to become head coach of the Phoenix Suns. Charania reports that the two sides agreed to a five-year deal.
Philadelphia assistant Monty Williams has agreed to a five-year deal to become the new head coach of the Phoenix Suns, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 3, 2019
Williams will become the 20th head coach in Suns history. He is replacing Igor Koskokvo, who was fired after one season on the job. Williams will remain with the 76ers as their assistant for the duration of their playoff run.
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Williams will be heading to a team that has been rebuilding for years. They have missed the postseason for nine straight seasons and have been one of the bottom feeders in the NBA for the past four seasons.
Phoenix does have a lot of promise, though, with some young talent already in place. Devin Booker is the biggest name, but they also have Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges and Josh Jackson. Kelly Oubre and T.J. Warren are two more intriguing pieces on the wing. With another high lottery pick coming their way, if they are able to land a much-needed point guard, they could be on their way up rather quickly.
The Suns will be Williams’ second head coaching job. He previously was the head coach with the New Orleans Hornets/New Orleans Pelicans for five seasons. He compiled a record of 173-221, making the playoffs twice but never advancing beyond the first round.
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With Williams now heading to the desert, the Lakers will have to look elsewhere for their next head coach. If reports are to be believed, Los Angeles will now be turning their attention to Lue to be their next head coach.