The Los Angeles Lakers have officially parted ways with head coach Frank Vogel following a disappointing 2021-2022 NBA season, which saw the team fail to make the playoffs despite boasting a star-studded roster. The decision, confirmed by Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka, comes after the team’s underwhelming performance, which had raised expectations following their acquisition of Russell Westbrook in a high-profile trade. Despite a roster featuring LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers finished 11th in the Western Conference, missing the play-in tournament entirely.
Vogel, who famously led the Lakers to the 2020 NBA Championship, faced a series of challenges throughout the season. The integration of new players, particularly Westbrook, and ongoing injury issues hampered the team’s performance. LeBron James, who continued to post MVP-caliber numbers, and Anthony Davis, who also dealt with significant injuries, were unable to carry the team to the success they had envisioned. The Lakers’ failure to regain the form that led to their 2020 title run left the franchise in a state of flux, with many pointing to coaching, roster construction, and team chemistry as factors contributing to the downfall.
In his time with the Lakers, Vogel was known for his strong defensive schemes, which helped propel the team to the championship in 2020. However, this season, his defensive system appeared less effective, especially when paired with a roster featuring ball-dominant players like Westbrook. The lack of consistency on both ends of the court, combined with injuries to key players, led to mounting pressure on Vogel, eventually resulting in his departure. Pelinka made it clear that the Lakers were seeking a coach capable of leading the team back to championship contention, especially as the franchise continues to revolve around LeBron James’ window of opportunity.
The decision to part ways with Vogel has generated mixed reactions across the NBA. Some analysts suggest that the Lakers’ struggles were more a result of roster construction and injuries rather than coaching. The team’s inability to maintain consistent health, particularly with Davis and Westbrook, was a significant factor in their failure to meet expectations. Others argue that Vogel’s defensive approach, which had worked well in the past, may not have been the right fit for a team with so many offensive-minded stars. The presence of players like Westbrook, who needs the ball in his hands to be effective, created a mismatch with the defensive-first philosophy that Vogel had relied on during his time with the Lakers.
The Lakers’ search for a new head coach is now underway, with several high-profile names already emerging as potential candidates. Among the names linked to the job are former Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts and current Golden State Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson. Both candidates bring significant coaching experience to the table, with Stotts having a long tenure as the Blazers’ head coach and Atkinson known for his work with the Brooklyn Nets, particularly in player development and building team chemistry.
As the Lakers turn their attention to the 2022 offseason, the hiring of a new head coach will be just one of many important decisions facing the organization. The Lakers must also assess their roster and decide how best to surround LeBron James and Anthony Davis with the right supporting pieces to build a competitive, title-contending team. Given the uncertainty surrounding Westbrook’s future with the team and the aging core of their star players, the Lakers will need to make strategic moves both on and off the court to remain relevant in the championship conversation.
With the future of the franchise hanging in the balance, all eyes will be on how the Lakers navigate the offseason. The choice of a new head coach, along with potential roster changes, will determine the direction the franchise takes in the coming seasons. For now, the Lakers’ next steps will be under intense scrutiny as they attempt to return to their championship form and restore their place among the league’s elite teams.
