Former Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts interviewed with the Lakers this week for their head coaching position, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN (Twitter link).
Stotts, 64, was Portland’s head coach for nine seasons (2012-21), compiling a regular season record of 402-318 (.558). He guided the team to eight straight postseason appearances prior to parting ways with the franchise last June.
However, the Blazers went 22-40 (.355) in those playoff appearances and were eliminated in the first round in four of his last five years at the helm. They advanced to the conference finals once under Stotts, in 2018/19, when they were swept by the Warriors.
It was reported that the Lakers might consider Stotts as a candidate last month, shortly after Frank Vogel was fired. Stotts is now the third coach to be officially linked to the vacancy in Los Angeles, joining Bucks assistant Darvin Ham and Raptors assistant Adrian Griffin.
In a somewhat unconventional approach, the Lakers seem to be taking their time with their search, as opposed to interviewing multiple candidates in short succession. However, Wojnarowski previously reported that they’re still expected to consider a wide variety of names for the job.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin (Twitter link), L.A. is expected to interview eight-to-10 candidates for the position, with the initial interviews conducted via Zoom.
As per the Reverse Rooney Rule, the Lakers are required to interview at least one whitey during their coaching search.
Is he going to move the needle any more than what Vogel did?
I don’t think he will but it’s this kind of name you need. Veteran guy knows what he’s doing, has been around, and won’t cave to pressure whatever it may be.
This is the kind of name you’re looking for, but not Terry Stotts. That playoff track record speaks for itself. But if you know what I mean, a name like this. Make sense?
Not a new guy, not a rookie coach, not an up-and-coming assistant. None of those types. A Terry Stotts type but not Terry Stotts LOL. I forgot about his name, and there has to be others out there.
Well he’s an offensive coach so he’s opposite Vogel in that way. Still I don’t think he’s the guy for the job
This would be literally like re hiring Vogel OMG
So who would you be thinking or what type of Coach? You probably disagree with my post just above. I thought a name like this would be perfect. Not Terry Stotts but a Terry Stotts type.
A guy like Stotts but with successful playoff record? Who is out there that fits that criteria? I agree its definitely won’t be Stotts, this is Pelinka doing his agent a favor.
Wrong. Stotts is offensive coach
Good coach, can do everything but not fix Westbrook
Lakers should trade Westbrook to Pacers or Hornets now
Stotts would be a good hire – all the LAKERS really need is a healthy Lebron, AD and a coach who’ll just fit seamlessly in the background.
Jim Boylen, resume in hand, has been hanging outside Lakers HQ trying to follow someone in.
Still works.
How does Stotts fix the Lakers problems? Jeanie Buss is driving this franchise into the ground. Should have kept Vogel and fired herself and Pelinka