Unsurprisingly, the Los Angeles Lakers decided to cut ties with Frank Vogel after enduring one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history. And, while Vogel wasnāt to blame for how poorly built their roster was, he failed to make adjustments and make the most of his personnel.
Then again, finding a suitable coach whoās also unemployed will be an uphill battle for Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka. Moreover, not everybody will want to try and solve the mess they have right now.
Even so, thereās a handful of people who could actually turn the franchise around, should they come on knocking. According toformer NBA player Kenny Smith, Mark Jackson would be perfect for the job.
Kenny Smith Says Lakers Should Hire Mark Jackson, Shaq Makes A Pitch
āI donāt know if anyone can save the day. Mark Jackson, he knows how to handle that kind of environment,ā Smith said on NBA on TNT. āHe put the Warriors in contention of what they are. The way they play, their style of play. Steph Curry owes a lot to his career, because before Mark got there, Steph Curry wouldnāt even play in 4th quarters. We wouldnāt think he was a great player, a great defender.ā
āMark Jackson could coach the Lakers to a championship, for sure,ā Smith added. āThat would be a good pick. Mark Jackson, Lakersā next coach.ā
But not everybody on set seemed too convinced about Mark Jackson. If anything, former Laker Shaquille OāNeal thinks he should be the next in line. Needless to say, that would come at a steep price:
āIf the Lakers offered me $25 million a year, for 4 years, Iād coach the Lakers,ā Shaq said.
Simply put, thereās just no way the Lakers will even consider Shaq to be their next coach. Thatās just not going to happen. But man, what people would pay to watch him call out LeBron James and Anthony Davis after every single possession.





