After yet another disappointing season for the 76ers, common thought among NBA fans (but not those within NBA circles) was that coach Doc Rivers would be available after just two seasons in Philadelphia.
The Sixers made no bones about Rivers' status after the season, however, with president of basketball operations Daryl Morey saying within 48 hours of the 76ers' loss to the Heat that his coach would be back next season.
Out a coach after firing Frank Vogel at the end of the regular season, the Lakers' opening was nearly immediately tied to Rivers after Philly's elimination. The Lakers have been conducting other interviews and seems to have a list of finalists in place, but they apparently aren't ready to move on from Rivers yet.
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According to Marc Stein's newsletter, there is "suspicion" that "the Lakers have not completely abandoned hope that Philadelphia’s Doc Rivers becomes unexpectedly available."
It would be very difficult for Rivers to walk out on the remaining three years of his contract without tipping into clear tampering from the Lakers, which means a trade is a more likely scenario -- although the Lakers' total lack of assets makes that a near impossibility for a team like the 76ers.
The aforementioned finalists for the position reportedly are Bucks assistant coach Darvin Ham, Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson, and former Blazers head coach Terry Stotts.
Rivers, who coached the Clippers from 2013 to 2020, is no stranger to big names. He led the 2008 Celtics to their championship over the Lakers, which may well be where the Lakers' interest comes from, as that team had the large personalities of Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen.
For the Lakers, it will have to be business as usual unless something drastic happens in Philadelphia. Right now, however, it's unlikely they'll get their guy, no matter how much they drag their feet.
