Report: Lakers interviewing former coach of Western Conference rival
Jan 20, 2020; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts watches from the sideline during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers’ hunt for a new head coach is reportedly taking them to a foe they know well.
The Lakers interviewed former Portland Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts for their head coach position this week, according to Adrian Wojnarowski. Stotts joins an increasingly long list of interviews for the position.
The Lakers interviewed former Portland Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts for the franchise’s coaching job this week, sources tell ESPN. Stotts made the playoffs in eight straight seasons with Blazers, including two trips to conference semifinals and a berth in conference finals.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 7, 2022
Stotts was consistently successful in Portland when it came to making the playoffs. His inability to break through, however, ultimately led to his firing at the end of the 2020-21 season.
The Lakers initially aimed high with their coaching search, but their efforts to land a top target employed by another team do not appear to be going well. Stotts would likely offer stability and a steady hand, though handling the big personalities on the Lakers would be very different than what he had to deal with in Portland.
