Los Angeles Lakers head coach candidate #1: Kenny Atkinson
Kenny Atkinson last served as a head coach for the Brooklyn Nets from 2016-2020. During those three seasons, Atkinson had a combined record of 90-156 record, but that record is not exactly indicative of the job he did for a rebuilding Nets franchise.
During each season of his tenure, the Nets improved from the previous season. In his final season with Brooklyn, he led an arguably below-average roster to a 42-40 record and secured the Nets their first playoff berth since 2015.
Since he stepped down as the lead-man for Brooklyn, he has served as an assistant for both the Los Angeles Clippers and, currently, the Golden State Warriors.
Atkinson is well-respected in the NBA coaching community and would likely immediately command the respect of both Lakers’ superstars in James and Davis. A self-proclaimed “outside-the-box thinker,” Atkinson has proven to be able to produce a solid offensive and defensive rating, even with limited personnel.
Furthermore, the Warriors’ assistant has shown an ability to get the most out of young players, a catalyst in the breakouts of D’Angelo Russell, Jarrett Allen, and Caris LeVert. Players such as Austin Reaves and Malik Monk would likely benefit from having Atkinson as their head coach.
Don’t count Atkinson out as a possible replacement for Frank Vogel.