New Lakers head coach Frank Vogel says he won’t feel threatened by the presence of former Nets and Bucks head coach Jason Kidd on his staff, he told ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk and other reporters on Monday.
Vogel called Kidd an “incredible asset” during his introductory press conference. The Lakers brass suggested to Vogel that he should bring in Kidd, who also interviewed for the job, as his lead assistant. Vogel and Kidd had a long discussion that made the former Pacers and Magic coach comfortable with Kidd joining his staff.
“I am very good at blocking out noise,” Vogel said. “I have been around this business a long time. I really don’t give that (the possibility of Kidd eventually taking over) a second thought. You can say that about every coach in the league about their assistant coaches. It happens from time to time. I believe if you treat people with the right respect and do the job at the highest level, build an environment of positivity and collaboration, you can’t worry about that stuff. You can’t worry about looking over your shoulder.”
Vogel was essentially the Lakers’ third choice to replace Luke Walton, who was let go immediately after the season. They were keenly interested in Monty Williams, who took the Suns job, and failed to complete negotiations on a contract with former Cavs coach Tyronn Lue.
Vogel admitted he didn’t have much of a relationship with Kidd before their long talk.
“I had a great, lengthy interview process with Jason where we talked about every topic you can imagine, and came away thinking he’s going to be an incredible asset to our program,” Vogel said.
There has been speculation that the addition of Kidd could be a means to woo Giannis Antetokounmpo if he becomes a free agent.
Why would he? Still gets a paycheck
My goodness! A new coach who hasn’t coached his first practice or game with his new team is already denying he’s on the hot seat and isn’t worried about being replace by one of his assistants who also hasn’t coached his first practice or game with his new team! Can only be the circus that plays at Staples Center.
He was asked the question.
The Lakers aren’t a team that burns through coaches. The idea of Kidd being a backup head coach is reaching
This doesn’t seem to be the “same” Lakers tho.
We shall see. Wins games, keep LeBron happy, it all works.
I wish you were right, but damn since last championship in 2010,Phil retired one season later we’ve had Mike Brown, Pringles guy, Byron Scott and Luke Walton. So one coach every 2 seasons
If the Lakers want to underachieve and have players thrown under the bus through the media they should definitely hire Kidd. Kidd will rely on his name to get coaching jobs then people will realize he’s a terrible coach. And the speculation that Giannis would rejoin Kidd? Laughable.
Boy the LBJ hate, J-Kidd hate, the Lakers hate… Guys y’all have sooo much hate, try to be happier!
I hate that comment
Kidd has caused problems at Nets and Bucks. 2 for 2. You can’t change the spots on the leopard. Fakers bigger issue is other GM’s don’t like Rob….
I love Frank Vogel. Such a stand-up guy. I remember watching him through training camps in Indiana and he just seem to have it together.
He shouldn’t be worried. If the Lakers wanted Kidd they would have hired him as the head coach and Vogel as the assistant LOL.