NBA Rumors: Ex-Teammate Of LeBron James Passes On Lakers HC Job

The race is on for the Los Angeles Lakers to figure out who will call the shots for the NBA team next season. There have been several names but one name that could make sense is a former teammate of LeBron James.

Most know that one thing that the Lakers are considering is getting a coach who is familiar with the four-time NBA champion. One name that comes to mind is Juwan Howard.

Howard and James were teammates with the Miami Heat. Both won two titles with the South Beach squad, particularly in 2012 and 2013.

The 49-year-old was hardly felt in those campaigns. But as most know, the relationship of James with past teammate go beyond that.

Despite Howard possibly being named the next head coach of the Lakers, such is unlikely to happen. The former All-Star player has reportedly declined the chance to take on the role, opting to stick with the Wolverines.

Also, another factor in that decision is that Howard’s two sons will be playing next season, ESPN reported.

With Howard out, the Lakers are now turning to other names. That includes Darvin Ham, currently serving as an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Per reports, it seems Ham is now in the lead to land the position. Other names in the mix include Terry Stotts and Kenny Atkinson.

The Lakers are now holding the second round of interviews to see who among the candidates would best fit and call the shots for the Lakers next season.

Aside from James, there is also the Russell Westbrook factor. Should the 2017 NBA MVP exercise his player option, the Lakers need to figure out what to do with him.

The name of the 33-year-old has surfaced in trade talks but no NBA team has come forward. Should he stay, the next Lakers head coach needs to utilize him better for the coming season compared to what Frank Vogel tried this NBA season.