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Los Angeles Lakers: 3-Time NBA Champ Emerges as ‘Leading Target’ for Head Coach Opening

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Paolo Songco | Last updated 5/14/24

The Los Angeles Lakers are taking their time in making their decision on the team’s next head coach — and rightfully so. This will be a pivotal decision for the organization as they look to make the most of LeBron James’ last few remaining years, so it goes without saying that whoever gets the job as the new coach will be tasked with the objective of leading the squad to a title in the immediate future.

As it turns out, that man could be three-time NBA champion Sam Cassell.

Los Angeles Lakers News: Sam Cassell Emerges as ‘Initial Leading Target’

Cassell, who won two titles with the Houston Rockets in 1994 and 1995 and a third with the Boston Celtics in 2008, has no prior head coaching experience in the NBA. However, he is a well-respected assistant coach who has been in the league since 2009.

According to a report by Shams Charania and Jovan Buha of The Athletic, Cassell is now considered one of the frontrunners to land the coveted Lakers coaching gig:

“As the Los Angeles Lakers begin contacting head coaching candidates and scheduling interviews this week, JJ Redick, James Borrego and Sam Cassell have emerged as the franchise’s initial leading targets, league sources told The Athletic,” read the report.

As the report indicates, Cassell will need to contend with the two other top candidates, JJ Redick and former Charlotte Hornets shot-caller James Borrego, to replace Darvin Ham at the helm in Hollywood.

Currently, Cassell is working under Joe Mazzulla as an assistant for the Celtics. He has also had previous stints with the Washington Wizards, the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Philadelphia 76ers. During that time, the former All-Star point guard has had the chance to work with the likes of Flip Saunders and Doc Rivers.

Should he end up being the Lakers’ next head coach, Cassell will be following in the footsteps of Ham in being a first-time head coach leading the charge for LA and their lofty expectations.