So far the Los Angeles Lakers have interviewed two candidates to replace resigned head coach Mike D’Antoni. They met with Mike Dunleavy and Byron Scott both of whom has previous ties with the organization. Now they’re going in another direction and reportedly have an interview setup with former Memphis Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins.
Lionel Hollins has emerged as a candidate for the Los Angeles Lakers’ coaching job, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
Lakers management plans to interview Hollins later this week, league sources said.
In his final three years as head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies, Hollins reached the playoffs three times – including a trip to the Western Conference finals and conference semifinals. As a player, Hollins won a championship with the Blazers in 1977 and was named an All-Star in 1978.
Hollins’ history of strong defensive preparation and results, as well as a serious-minded leadership style, assuredly will appeal to Lakers star Kobe Bryant. Like Lakers management, Bryant is hopeful of the team finding a proven head coach with a winning track record.
In his final season in 2013, Hollins won 56 games and lost in the Western Conference finals to the San Antonio Spurs.
