The Los Angeles LakersInterview with an ex-employer Portland Trail BlazersSources tell ESPN that Terry Stotts was the candidate for the coaching job at the franchise.
Stotts joins Lakers' search as a candidate because of his playoff consistency, offensive creativity, relationships with his stars and ability to build them. Stotts reached the Western Conference playoffs in eight of his last eight seasons, including two trips to semifinals and a berth at the conference finals. He was fired in 2021.
So far, the Lakers search process has been systematic. Sources said that the organization has been interviewing coaches one at a time — instead of the traditional interviewing many candidates before narrowing down the list to follow-up interviews.
Rob Pelinka, Lakers general manager, is the main point man for the organization's search. But there is a committee to vet the candidates. Sources said that Pelinka and Jeanie Buss are not the only people involved in the conversation. Former Lakers coach Phil Jackson and advisor Kurt Rambis also play a part.
The Lakers also reached out to Milwaukee Bucksassistant Darvin Ham Toronto RaptorsSources say Adrian Griffin will be the assistant to discuss the opening.
Frank Vogel was fired by the Lakers in April after the team failed to reach the playoffs with a record of 33-49.
Stotts was Portland's second-winningest coach, with a record of 402-318 in his nine seasons as Blazers coach. He did brief stops with the Atlanta HawksHe was a member of the Milwaukee (2003 and 2004) and Milwaukee (2006) and 2007, where he had four seasons that were below.500.
