The search for the Lakers' next head coach continues, with reports claiming the franchise might be looking at NBA Hall of Famer Jason Kidd to fill the vacancy.
According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin Los Angeles' makeshift front office held a meeting with Kidd on Monday. Sources say the interview was conducted by general manager Rob Pelinka and Lakers executive Kurt Rambis at the team's practice facility in El Segundo, California. Although the talking points were not disclosed, it was reported that the conversation lasted for "several hours," giving the feel that Kidd could be a serious candidate.
It is possible that Pelinka and Rambis were not only dissecting Kidd's troubled tenure as a coach, but also his illustrious playing career. After the 2017-18 season, Kidd was fired by the Bucks. With his departure, Milwaukee joined the Nets as the second team to can Kidd since he made the transition from player to play-caller in 2013. In just a little over four years as a head coach, Kidd's winning percentage is just below .500 with a record of 183-190.
Yet when evaluating Kidd, potential organizations have to take into consideration his Hall of Fame career. While on-court dominance doesn't always translate to coaching success, Kidd made a name for himself as a strict floor general using his understanding of the game to become one of the NBA's leaders in triple-doubles. Also, Kidd has a strong familiarity with Lakers centerpiece LeBron James. Not only do their playing styles lend some similarities, but the two also won an Olympic gold medal together in 2008.
If L.A. is considering Kidd, he will be the latest addition to the rumored three-man race. Along with Kidd, the Lakers have talked to James' championship winning coach Tyronn Lue while Philadelphia assistant Monty Williams is the alleged favorite to land the job. For Lakers fans who are not sold on Kidd's pedigree, there is a strong possibility he will not be gracing the Staples Center sideline next season. Per sources, both Williams and Lue have been scheduled for a follow-up interview while Kidd has yet to receive a callback.
