L.A. Clippers assistant coach Alvin Gentry
has caught the eye of General Manager
Mitch Kupchak. They spoke by phone
this week and discussed the possibility
of a full time Coaching position with our
L.A. Lakers for this coming season.
Gentry plans to meet both Kupchak and
the Lakers executive vice president of
basketball operations Jim Buss for an
interview. Former Memphis Grizzlies
coach Lionel Hollins also will be attending
an interview this week. The Lakers spent
part of last week interviewing both Byron
Scott and Mike Dunleavy. Gentry coached
point guard Steve Nash in Phoenix too.
He speaks glowingly about our Kobe Bryant.
Kupchak has made it known that he wishes
who so ever does finally take the coaching
job, he will maximize Bryant's productivity
in the post after playing only 6 games last
season because of double injuries. Bryant
was not thrilled over former coach D'Antoni's
fast paced system that contradicted his
preference for a more methodical offense.
Although the Lakers hope to hire their next
coach before the NBA draft on June 26,
they are not expected to finalize the
coaching search within the coming 2 weeks.
It appears likely the Lakers' initial set of formal
interviews will entail follow-up meetings.
The following interviews include Kurt Rambis,
George Karl,Hawks Quin Snyder, Mark
Jackson and even the OKC point guard,
former Laker, Derek Fisher. Regarding all
of these interviews, it is certain that the
draw will become a far shorter list of
candidates eventually as time goes by.
Today, May 28, marks the 76th. Birthday
of Basketball Hall of Famer, Jerry West.
Happy Day Jerry!
Babs Wells
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