University of MichiganCoach Juwan Howard has recently declined to be a coach Los Angeles LakersOverture on the franchise's coaching position, he opted to stay at his alma mater and Howard will coach his boys next season, ESPN sources said.
While the Lakers have a formal search process in effect, courting college coaches requires an entirely different level of discretion. The Lakers have a finalist selection. Milwaukee BucksAssistant Darvin Ham Golden State WarriorsKenny Atkinson assistant, former Portland Trail BlazersSources claim that Terry Stotts is coach. Sources say that the Lakers will soon conduct interviews in person.
Sources said that Howard was not offered a job by the Lakers, but that if he did, his candidacy for the job would have been quickly moved to that stage. Howard played with Lakers general manger Rob Pelinka, and Star LeBron Jam, but he has maintained his commitment to Ann Arbor, where his two sons, Jace and Jett, will be juniors and freshman on his team.
Howard was interviewed for the Los Angeles job. Miami HeatAfter serving as an assistant coach in 2019, Howard accepted the job of Michigan's head coach. Howard's success at college, along with his record as a six year Heat assistant and two-time NBA champion as player, has attracted considerable interest from NBA teams.
Boston CelticsSources say that president Brad Stevens was interested by Howard to fill his coaching opening last year, but Howard declined. The Celtics hired Brooklyn Netsassistant Ime Udoka
Howard's fascination with the Lakers is indicative of their growing curiosity. Ham, like Howard, is an ex-player who has strong leadership qualities, winning experience, and tactical understanding. He's also worked with high-level coaches. Ham is also a strong candidate for the Charlotte HornetsSources claim that he was an assistant coach for the Lakers in this role, having worked alongside GM Mitch Kupchak a decade prior.
Stotts, Atkinson and both have previous NBA head coaching experiences.
Stotts was the Blazers' coach from 2012 to 2021. He reached the playoffs in eight of his last eight seasons, including two trips to Western Conference semifinals and a berth at the conference finals. Stotts has a track record of offensive creativity and the ability to establish relationships with his stars players.
Atkinson was a head coach and assistant in the NBA. He earned a reputation as a leader in player development. Atkinson was the Nets' head coach for three years. He led them to the playoffs in their third season, 2018-19.
Howard was 93-61 over three seasons at Michigan. He was also named national coach for the year in 2021. Howard's tenure with the Wolverines included Top 5 poll rankings all three seasons, a Big Ten regular season title, and two trips to NCAA tournament.
