On Friday night, the Lakers announced the firing of HC Darvin Ham. After a 4-1 series loss to the Nuggets, the Purple and Gold were sent packing in the first round of the playoffs. The announcement looked imminent following the loss, and after a few days of speculation regarding the next HC candidate, a new name joined the race.
According to Dave McMenamin, Mavs HC, Jason Kidd is a candidate to succeed Ham. On Sportscenter, McMenamin said, “I expect the pendulum to swing back towards an experienced candidate this summer.” The reporter added that Ty Lue, JJ Redick and Jason Kidd are “the guys they’re thinking about and pondering.”
Along with Darvin Ham, his entire coaching staff has been fired as the Lakers look to start from scratch in their HC search. According to McMenamin, LeBron James and Anthony Davis will have a say in the selection process, and all three candidates have ties with LBJ. Jason Kidd played alongside a young LeBron for Team USA, and he could have a stake in the Lakers HC job if he guides the Mavs further than round 2.
Jason Kidd Focuses on Mavs After Beating Clippers
While the rumor mills are swinging, Jason Kidd is focused on the job at hand and that is to guide the Mavericks to a deep playoff run. On Friday, the Dallas side punched their ticket to the conference semifinals after beating the Clippers 114-101 and will meet the young guns of the OKC.
After the game, Kidd talked to the press and revealed his message to the team. “We just enjoy it. But I don’t say much in front of the cameras. Once the cameras left, just enjoy it. We’ll have tomorrow off, regroup on Sunday and then focus on Oklahoma City,” said the 51-year-old.
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Luka Doncic and Co. have faced the OKC four times this season and only won once, which was a dominant 146-111 win in February. The Mavericks will travel to the Paycom center to open the series against the Thunder on May 7, and the Lakers front office will surely keep a keen eye on the proceedings.
Also Read: Tyronn Lue and JJ Redick Reportedly Emerge as “Real” Candidates to Land Lakers HC Job
