LeBron James gave a public show of support for new Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel.
Vogel was introduced Monday morning as the new Lakers head coach. LeBron was among the people in attendance as he was hanging out in the back of the room for it:
LeBron James is in the house for Frank Vogel’s presser. #Lakers pic.twitter.com/hHvbvPBpLQ
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) May 20, 2019
Though it may not seem like much, that’s symbolically a big move.
James is regarded as a superstar powerful enough to determine the fate of a coach. If he is not pleased with a coach, the team would be likely to fire the coach in response. That seems to have been part of the reason Luke Walton lost his job. If he showed no respect for the new coach, there would be very little chance of that new coach succeeding.
Instead, by attending the press conference, James seems to be showing respect for the coach, which is a sign he will give him a chance. In fact, Vogel says he has already had a positive conversation with James. He’s also expecting a big bounceback season from the star.
“There’s an excitement about … what we can accomplish.”
Frank Vogel says he's had a "very positive" conversation with LeBron James since accepting the Lakers coaching job. pic.twitter.com/Rw2RhC3bPr
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 20, 2019
Frank Vogel says he expects "one helluva bounce-back year" from LeBron James. Vogel says the two talked after he was hired. James has remained here at the press conference since the start. https://t.co/2ZTUkbzc6o
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) May 20, 2019
The Lakers are coming off a 37-45 season that saw them miss the playoffs for a sixth consecutive season. Vogel and James will work to try and end that streak next season.
