Have the Lakers found their next coach? Reports say Frank Vogel 'made a strong impression'

Alexis Mansanarez

Have the Lakers found their next coach? Reports say Frank Vogel 'made a strong impression' image

Frank Vogel and the Lakers will be meeting again soon.

According to a report from ESPN, which cited unidentified league sources, the former Pacers and Magic coach "made a strong impression" in his initial interview with the Lakers.

Both parties "are expected to talk again" on the open head coaching position.

Los Angeles has been searching for a new coach after the team fired Luke Walton in April after three seasons. Despite having LeBron James on the team this season, the Lakers (37-45) missed the playoffs for the sixth year in a row.

But, the Lakers may have found their guy after a series of talks with other potential candidates fell through.

Vogel's first meeting came after discussions with former Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue ended. Vogel was expected to be an associate head coach on Lue's staff, if Lue had been hired. 

Vogel, 45, who started as interim head coach for the Pacers in 2011, was hired full time in 2012. He went on to lead Indiana to the playoffs five of six seasons. The Pacers made it as far as the Eastern Conference finals twice (2013, 2014), where, ironically, they lost to James and the Heat.

Vogel's contract was not renewed at the end of the 2015-16, season and he was quickly hired by the Magic. He was fired by the Magic at the end of the 2017-18 season after posting a 54-110 record.

 

Alexis Mansanarez