Frank Vogel, the leader Los Angeles Lakers to the 2020 NBA championship, coached his last game for the organization, a decision expected to be shared with him as soon as Monday, sources told ESPN.
Sources say the Lakers’ search to replace him is expected to be extensive and lengthy – with no clear frontrunner.
The Lakers ended a disappointing 33-49 season on Sunday with a Victory in extra time 146-141 in Denver Nuggetsafter being knocked out of the knockout round on Tuesday.
Vogel, who signed an initial three-year contract in 2019 and was given a one-year extension through the end of the last 2022-23 season, said after Sunday’s game that he had not been told anything. What about his future with the team.
“I haven’t been told anything yet — and I’m going to enjoy tonight’s game, celebrate what these young men have done in terms of scratching and swiping and come back to this game and get W, and we’ll settle tomorrow, tomorrow,” he told reporters during his post-game media availability.
Continuity is an ongoing challenge for Vogel and the Lakers this season, as they face star injuries. LeBron James and Anthony Davis and challenging squad building, including limited shooting and sports.
According to research by ESPN Stats & Information, Los Angeles is the only team that hasn’t had a five-man roster play together for 100 minutes, according to research by ESPN Stats & Information. Despite entering the season with high expectations, the Lakers can only have James, Davis and Russell Westbrook on the floor against each other in 21 games. They went to 11-10 in those competitions.
The Lakers finished the season in 10th place in both offensive and defensive efficiency, placing 21st in defensive ratings after placing first in 2020-21 and third in 2019-20.
LA lost 18 of 24 games after the All-Star break, with only Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers complete with inferior records for that period.
Lakers’ rookie Austin Reaveswho posted a brace with 31 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists in Sunday’s finale, said “it’s good to come out with a big win for [Vogel] and our team. “
Monk Malikwho scored a career-high 41, noted Vogel’s approach throughout the season despite his job status being called into question.
Monk said: “He kept his composure the whole time. “Not talking about no problem like that. Not talking about anything like that, man. He comes in and works and always gives us a great game plan… He’s always been there. It was always about us. It was never really about him. And I commend him for that, man. I know it was pretty hard on him, but he never talked about it. there. He never changed his demeanor.”
Vogel led the Lakers to an NBA championship in Orlando, Florida, bubbled during the COVID-hit 2019-20 season and retained the franchise as one of the league’s elite defensive teams for two seasons. his first tournament in Los Angeles. He is expected to be a contender for future head coaching terms elsewhere in the league.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin contributed to this report.
