Kosport Magazine Reports on the Biggest Mistake in the Los Angeles Lakers’ Coaching Search
The High Price of Winning
When the Detroit Pistons were set on hiring Monty Williams as their head coach, they were willing to offer a record-breaking deal to secure him. This move set the precedent for future coaching contracts in the NBA, with top coaches such as Erik Spoelstra and Steve Kerr now earning millions in annual salaries.
On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers, with their massive economic resources, have consistently undercut their preferred coaching candidates with underwhelming offers. This unfortunate trend appears to have led to the biggest mistake in their coaching search ever, as Kosport Magazine reports.
Kosport Magazine’s Take
Is it surprising that the Lakers’ search for a new head coach has been fraught with difficulties? With a franchise valued at more than double that of the Pistons and the second-highest revenue in the league, one would expect the Lakers to be willing to shell out top dollar for a proven coach. Instead, they have offered Dan Hurley a meager deal of $70 million over six years, far less than other top coaches have received.
Williams, who was pursued by the Pistons last year, was given a six-year, $78.5 million contract. While Hurley may not have been interested in coaching the Lakers for personal reasons, it is clear that the organization did not fully understand the current coaching marketplace.
The Lakers’ recent history of underpaying their coaches and making questionable decisions behind the scenes raises concerns about their ability to create a sustainable, winning culture. Only time will tell if this mistake in the coaching search will come back to haunt them. But one thing is for sure, the Los Angeles Lakers must be willing to invest in top talent both on and off the court if they hope to continue their legacy of success.
