LOS ANGELES – Just 15 months since I was guiding the LOS ANGELES Los Angeles LakersFrank Vogel, the coach of the NBA championship, was once again asked questions regarding his job security Wednesday night.
Vogel stated that he doesn’t feel under siege before Vogel hosted the Lakers. Indiana Pacers. “It’s not difficult to do my work, I’m very focused and dedicated to the task at hand. This has been my way of life for a long time.
After a 37 point loss to the Denver NuggetsVogel’s job was at risk according to multiple reports. This was L.A.’s third consecutive loss. The Lakers defense allowed 125 points or more in each of the three losses.
L.A. could have suffered a similar outcome in Monday’s match against the Utah JazzSources told ESPN that Vogel could have been removed by the Lakers’ front offices.
In the end, the Lakers beat Jazz 101-95 to win the most complete season. The Lakers held the league’s No. The No. 1 offense was held to 37.3% shooting, and the No. 4 team in Western Conference despite missing All-Star big-man Anthony Davis(knee) and top bench scorer Carmelo Anthony (back).
Vogel was able press on but was asked Wednesday about the tense time as he prepared for coaching Pacers team which had lost 10 of its previous 11.
He said, “It’s not really up to me whether or not it’s fair.” It comes with the territory, with being the Lakers coach. We have high standards. This fan base cares deeply. It’s a large market and I wouldn’t want it any different. To be completely honest, I would not have it any other way. People should care. I want people who want excellence and want to do the right thing.
Vogel answered questions about his job performance for the second time in this season. This was almost a request by the Lakers, who had granted Vogel only a one year contract extension. Despite the fact that Vogel’s playoff winning percentage of 18-9 (.667) ranks him third in franchise history, behind only Paul Westhead (.684) and Pat Riley (.685), and ahead Phil Jackson (.652) who is fourth.
Vogel stated Wednesday that his interactions with the Lakers’ front offices — Rob Pelinka, vice president of basketball operations, and Kurt Rambis as senior basketball advisor — were business as usual, despite recent struggles in L.A.
Vogel stated that he meets with his front office. “We talk about last night’s game. Every game. Every year. This has been the case for three years. It’s the same every week, and it hasn’t changed in recent weeks.”
Vogel described his relationship with the front desk as “healthy”. He also said that he hasn’t received any feedback on his job performance, as L.A. started the season at a subpar 22-22 (.500).
He said, “Everyone is working together in order to get this thing moving in the right direction.” “And we have a great working relationship in which we are trying to figure things out together. We won the championship that way and I’m proud of our progress.”
Vogel explained that scrutiny is part of the job of being on the sidelines of a team full of future Hall of Famers and expecting another title.
He said, “In this business and with this team you’re going get this type of noise if you don’t win at a super high standard.” “I’m great at blocking out that. “I feel proud of the work we do.”
Vogel stated that his team should learn from the Lakers’ defensive performance against the Jazz what it can achieve when it puts the right focus on a particular game. He indicated that he and his coaches will continue to adjust the team’s lineups and schematics from game to game until Davis returns.
He said, “I believe in the potential we have this year.” “Remain focused and determined on the task at hand.