On Tuesday, Dwane Casey declined an offer to become an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Lakers under JJ Redick. While Casey’s decision, based on family reasons as reported by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, is understandable and not particularly notable, it highlights a worrying trend: many people are saying no to the Lakers recently.
Consider the prominent assistant coaches the Lakers targeted after hiring Redick. Sam Cassell chose to stay with the Boston Celtics, and James Borrego, the runner-up for the head coaching position, remained with the New Orleans Pelicans. After being hired on June 20, Redick went over two weeks without securing an assistant coach until Scott Brooks and Nate McMillan were reportedly hired on Wednesday. Additionally, the Lakers’ pursuit of UConn coach Dan Hurley ended with a low-ball offer, and Klay Thompson, who has deep ties to Los Angeles, opted to join the Dallas Mavericks despite the Lakers offering more money and a longer contract—around $80 million over four years according to ESPN’s Kendra Andrews and Ramona Shelburne.
Each missed opportunity might be explained by specific circumstances. Hurley’s offer was insufficient, assistants saw better prospects elsewhere, DeMar DeRozan ignored mid-level offers despite the Lakers’ interest, and Thompson joined a Finals-reaching Mavericks team. However, collectively, these incidents suggest a troubling pattern. The Lakers, a team with 17 championships based in the NBA’s most desirable market, are usually a magnet for top talent. Yet, they struggle to attract it now.
This situation is reminiscent of the pre-LeBron era when the Lakers faced numerous failed free agency pursuits. In 2014, Carmelo Anthony declined their offer, and their initial meeting with LaMarcus Aldridge in 2015 went so poorly that they had to arrange a second one to save face. In 2016, Kevin Durant didn’t even grant them a meeting.
The Lakers’ recent struggles in adding talent and securing coaches indicate a broader issue within the front office. This summer’s difficulties, capped by LeBron James’ max contract, underscore a growing concern about the direction and management of this storied franchise.
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