Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Stephen A. Smith Names His Preference To Take Over as Los Angeles Lakers Coach

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics
By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated 5/17/24

Darvin Ham’s termination has opened an opportunity for new personalities to become the Purple and Gold’s new head coach for next season. But if Stephen A. Smith had his way, Sam Cassell would get the gig from the Los Angeles Lakers.

After Frank Vogel was fired by the Lakers’ front office two years ago, Ham was chosen to get the head coaching gig. His first year on the job was affected due to the team underperforming with Russell Westbrook in the lineup. After trading him, though, the team played better and reached the Western Conference Finals last postseason.

Although Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets swept them in four games, they surprised everyone by reaching the Western Conference Finals. This built up a hope that the LeBron James-led team can go even further this year.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case at all after the Lakers underperformed during the regular season and almost didn’t make the playoffs. After going through the Play-In Tournament to make the postseason, they found themselves eliminated again by the Nuggets. This development cost Ham his job and now the Lakers’ front office is in search of a candidate to take over the role next season.

Stephen A. Smith Names Sam Cassell As His Choice To Become Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach

While Reddick and James Borrego have emerged as the top candidates, Sam Cassell has slowly made noise to get the coaching gig in L.A. According to Stephen A. Smith, the former Milwaukee Bucks star is the best person to get the job for next season.

“I’ve been an advocate for Sam Cassell to be a head coach in the NBA for years,” Smith said. “Sam Cassell has earned his stripes,” the NBA analyst added.

After playing a lengthy career in the NBA and won a pair of rings, Cassell transitioned as an assistant coach for several teams , including serving under current Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers. These include the Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Boston Celtics over the years. Over the course of that period, Cassell has built up a reputation of connecting well with players.

It remains to be seen whether Cassell will land the job or Reddick will be chosen by the Lakers. In any case, it’s going to be an interesting offseason for the Purple and Gold. With LeBron James’ player option, the possibility of drafting Bronny James, and getting a new coach to steer the team back to contention, it’s going to be a busy period for Los Angeles.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: