- After a poor 33-49 season, the Lakers fired Frank Vogel and are planning for a’ methodical’ search for a new head coach
- Vogel’s tenure was hampered by a lack of consistency, as crucial players LeBron James and Anthony Davis both spent time on the bench
- According to Lebron, James Vogel’s coaching has been great, and the NBA star admires him both as a coach and a man
- the Los Angeles Lakers were the only club that did not have a single five-person lineup play 100 minutes together
The Los Angeles Lakers have fired head coach Frank Vogel after the franchise missed out on the NBA playoffs this season.
Despite a win over the Denver Nuggets in his final game on Sunday, Vogel could not lead the Lakers into the playoffs after they lost eight straight games from March 24 to April 8.
The Lakers season has been a disaster. Photo: Fadeaway World
The decision was revealed in a news release by Rob Pelinka, the team’s vice president of basketball operations and general manager.
“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Frank both on and off the court. Frank is a great coach and a good man. We will forever be grateful to him for his work in guiding us to the 2019-20 NBA championship.
“This is a tough decision to make, but one we feel is necessary at this point. We wish Frank and his wonderful family all the best for the future,” Pelinka stated.
LEBRON JAMES’ THOUGHTS ON VOGEL
When questioned about Vogel’s condition before the team’s statement release, Lakers star forward LeBron James said,
“I admire Frank as a coach and a man”. Over a few years here, our cooperation has been nothing but open and honest, with many wonderful chats.
“This guy, together with his coaching team, puts everything to the game and prepares us every night. I have nothing but admiration for him.”
LeBron James (lleft) thinks Frank Vogel (right) is a great coach. Photo: Sporting News
During the Covid-19 pandemic-shortened 2019-2020 season in Orlando, Florida, Vogel led the Lakers to a 52-19 record and the franchise’s 17th NBA title, tying the Boston Celtics for the most championships in league history.
In the first round of the playoffs last season, Los Angeles was eliminated by the eventual Western Conference champion Phoenix Suns.
With the Lakers, Vogel had a regular-season record of 127-98 and a postseason record of 18-9.
In 11 seasons with the Lakers, Orlando Magic, and Indiana Pacers, the 48-year-old has a regular-season record of 431-389 and a postseason record of 48-39.
Last year, Vogel agreed to a contract extension with the Lakers that would keep him with the team through 2023, but the squad struggled this season due to injuries.
Vogel’s reign was doomed by a lack of continuity, as star players LeBron James and Anthony Davis spent time on the bench.
Vogel seemed unsure about his future with the team when asked about his job on Sunday.
“I haven’t been told sh*t, and I’m going to enjoy tonight’s game, celebrate what these young guys did in terms of scratching and clawing and getting back in this game and getting a W, and we’ll deal with tomorrow,” he told reporters.
The Lakers ended 33-49 in the 2021-22 season, failing to qualify for the play-in tournament.
“This was a disappointing Lakers season at every level,” Pelinka said. “In the face of disappointment, our fans expect more, and that’s in every facet. It starts in the front office led by me and our ability to construct the right roster.
“It starts with the coaches holding players accountable and making sure there’s on-court execution.”
According to ESPN Stats & Information research, the Los Angeles Lakers were the only club that did not have a single five-person lineup play 100 minutes together.
LeBron James (left) and Anthony Davis (right) spent time on the bench. Photo: Media Referee
Despite having high expectations going into the season, the Lakers could only get James, Davis, and Russell Westbrook on the court for 21 games. In those games, they went 11-10.
After finishing first in 2020-21 and third in 2019-20, the Lakers completed the season in the bottom ten in both offensive and defensive efficiency, placing 21st in defensive rating.
Vogel was hired in May 2019 to put together a cohesive squad around James and Davis, who was acquired two months later from the New Orleans Pelicans. Vogel’s strategies were immediately effective.
Pelinka has no plans to replace Vogel right now, and he claims he hasn’t even compiled a list of possible replacements.
The GM stated that having a coach in place before the June draft would be “great” but that the Lakers’ search will be “thorough and methodical.”
At this time, league sources tell ESPN’s Dave McMenamin that the Lakers have not fired any of Vogel’s coaching staff.
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