Former Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic Head Coach, Frank Vogel has been hired as the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.
It was surprising that Tyronn Lue did not get the job this past week. Lue wanted a 5-year contract but the Lakers only offered 3 years. Frank Vogel agreed to a 3 year deal on Saturday and Jason Kidd was added as an assistant coach to his staff.
The real question is did the Lakers hire the right coach?
The answer is yet to be determined. Frank Vogel’s last coaching stint in Orlando did not go well as they lost more games with him than the previous year with essentially the same roster. That same team made the playoffs this year and won the most games since 2011. Now Vogel’s stint with the Indiana Pacers was great as he reached 2 straight conference finals before losing to LeBron’s Miami Heat. Those teams were tough and physical with a competitive grit that made them contenders. The Lakers have lacked toughness, especially in tough stretches throughout the season. Vogel’s defensive philosophy can definitely make an impact immediately with defenders like Ball and Ingram.
Jason Kidd is the perfect assistant to help the young players on the Lakers reach their potential. One player, in particular, is Lonzo Ball. Ball has All-Star potential but due to injuries, he hasn’t reached his full potential. Ball was playing his best basketball before he injured his ankle and hopefully, he can continue that next season. Kidd and Ball share one basketball gift, and that gift is to see it before it happens. The feel of the game is similar between the two.
Expect to see the best version of Lonzo Ball next season, maybe even an All-Star selection.
Featured Image: Kyle Jones via www.Flickr.com
