The relationship between Frank Vogel and LeBron James will surely draw more and more scrutiny as the year progresses, but Vogel does not think feel there is anything to worry about in that regard.
In an interview with Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated this week, the Los Angeles Lakers head coach discussed his rapport with James since arriving.
“I did feel support right from the start from LeBron,” Vogel said. “He’s always shown me a great deal of respect dating back to our battles when I was in Indiana and competing with the Heat in the conference finals, and coaching him in the All-Star Game.
“He’s always shown me a great deal of respect, so I felt like there would be a lot of support, and there was immediately and that’s continued on through up to this point,” the 46-year-old continued. “Hopefully we can work together to build something special.”
Indeed, the four-time MVP James went out of his way to support Vogel at his very first press conference after being hired by the Lakers this summer. While Vogel was a somewhat of a backup plan after the Lakers failed to land Tyronn Lue, James’ former coach in Cleveland, it sounds like his track record and his leadership style have earned him The King’s respect.
