NBA analyst and former Golden State Warriors Main coach Mark Jackson one step closer to becoming the new head coach Los Angeles Lakers after a job interview on Friday, according to Shams Charania from Athletic.
The Lakers also reportedly interviewed Terry Stotts, former head coach Portland Trail Blazers, but Jackson is the most popular choice among fans. Jackson coached the Warriors from 2011 to 2014, when he left due to the many scandals surrounding his character as an NBA employee.
When he left Golden State, the majority owner of the franchise Joe Lacob criticized Jackson for his bad relationship with the organization. The Warriors are the only team that Jackson has coached, leaving his position as broadcaster in 2011 to take up coaching in the NBA.
Mark Jackson Leads Warriors to NBA Playoffs
During his three-year tenure with the Dubs, Jackson led them to two consecutive playoff appearances without advancing to the second round. Despite strained relations with the front office, Jackson was able to forge strong ties with the players, including Stephen Curry.
Jackson’s detractors also argue that his coaching style is too stagnant, similar to how he played in his league point guard days. It’s also not a good sign that the Warriors became an NBA dynasty a year after Jackson left.
Curry averaged the most assists in a single season of his career in Jackson’s final year with the Warriors. Jackson forced Curry to be a better passer instead of being a scorer off the ball, which is how Curry currently makes a living.
LeBron James He is reportedly fond of Jackson and could be instrumental in deciding who fills the head coaching vacancy. However, after nearly a decade without coaching experience, Jackson could be another fatal decision by the Lakers.