Report: Kenny Atkinson, Darvin Ham and Terry Stotts, the finalists to be coach of the Lakers

Facing the inability to qualify for the playoffs, Frank Vogel vacated the Lakers head coaching position. After a long process, It’s a matter of days until Los Angeles’ new coach be named.

According to Shams Charania, of The Athletic, Kenny Atkinson, Darvin Ham and Terry Stotts are the finalists to lead the Lakers from the next season.

The next step for all three candidates will be a face-to-face interview with general manager Rob Pelinka in Los Angeles.

A previous report from Charania also revealed that previously the Lakers approached Mark JacksonESPN analyst and former Warriors coach, and asked to interview Adrian Griffin, Raptors assistant

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Who are the candidates?

Terry Stotts is the most experienced finalist on the bench. His first coaching opportunity came in 2002 with the Hawks, an organization he coached for 137 games. Later he came to the Bucks and in Milwaukee he did not complete two seasons.

For 2012 he joined the Trail Blazers and in Portland he turned his career around. In nine seasons with the organization, he posted a 402-318 record, eight consecutive playoff qualifications and an appearance in the Western Conference Finals.

If selected, Kenny Atkinson will be the NBA head coach for the second time in his career. Between 2016 and 2019 he was in charge of the Nets; During his tenure, Brooklyn made the playoffs once and posted a 118-190 record.

Your credentials were revalued in 2021 as an assistant to Steve Kerr on the Warriors ─ The San Francisco organization is in the Western Conference finals.

Finally, Darvin Ham is the only inexperienced HC. His only job leading a five was between 2010 and 2011 with the New Mexico Thunderbirds of the G League. However, the former basketball player has in his favor that he was an assistant for the Lakers between 2011 and 2013.