Former Memphis Grizzlies Head Coach Lionel Hollins has spoken about his intentions to return to coaching. Even more appealing is the opportunity to coach the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the greatest sports franchises in history in one of the biggest markets.
According to Adrian Wojnarwoski of Yahoo! Sports, the Lakers intend on interviewing Hollins for the vacancy soon.
The Lakers plan on filling the head coaching void following the resignation of Mike D’Antoni in lieu of the Lakers finishing with one of the worst records in franchise history.
Hollins has had a proven track record with the Memphis Grizzlies. During his tenure the Grizzlies have arguably enjoyed the most success in its almost 20 years as a franchise. Hollins has served as head coach for the Grizzlies for five seasons. He has led the Grizzlies to the playoffs three consecutive seasons including a Western Conference Finals appearance last season.
However, Hollins was controversially relieved of his coaching duties despite leading the Griz to a 50-win season and a number five seed in the postseason. Hollins coaching tenure with Memphis came to a screeching halt following a sweep at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs in the 2013 Western Conference Finals series.
Nonetheless, Hollins has the winning quality that the esteemed Lakers franchise is searching for. The Lakers have also interviewed Mike Dunleavy Sr., and Byron Scott for the head coaching gig. Both have previous ties with the franchise.
It will be interesting to see how involved Kobe Bryant, who stated earlier in the season he would like some input in the coaching selection, will be in this process for campaigning for the team’s next head coach.
Photo Credit: Sports Fan Journal
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