NBA Rumors: Lakers Coach Could Become Scapegoat If LA Fails To Turn Things Around

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to struggle despite a deep roster comprised majorly of aging stars. Fending off that criticism, the reality is that the purple and gold are hardly living up to the hype that they are one of the teams to beat.

Some may single out the injuries to top stars such as LeBron James. But then again, the team does have Russell Westbrook, someone who has proven he can carry a team on his shoulders by himself.

Despite calls by James and Anthony Davis on Westbrook to just be himself, it has not happened. Now, most are questioning the trade made for the former NBA MVP and have started singling out names such as Buddy Hield and DeMar DeRozan.

DeRozan was close to joining the Lakers before Westbrook was made available. Aware of the caliber of Westbrook, Los Angeles opted to go with the 2017 NBA Most Valuable Player.

However, his numbers wearing purple and gold are far from what he can deliver. Considering James has been sitting out games, most expect the 33-year-old cager to step up on his behalf.

There are a lot of questions in mind as to why Westbrook and the Lakers are not humming. Finger-pointing is now in the spotlight and most are singling out head coach Frank Vogel.

Considered one of the best defensive coaches in the NBA, some question his offensive approach. Given that they have more than enough firepower, the immediate thing that comes to mind is that buckets will come.

However, that may only apply to teams that do not have a bumper crop list of superstars. The Lakers have players who can score and somehow Vogel has not been able to maximize that. So is it time to change it up in the head coaching mix?

Injuries remain a problem although James and Talen Horton-Tucker are expected to be back. Others are expected to follow so the Lakers’ fortunes may change.

But if all hands are on deck and the Lakers continue to stumble, Vogel could be the one headed out. He was signed to just a one-year deal and there are names on that bench who can take over. One name suggested is David Fizdale who could take over from Vogel on an initial interim basis if the Lakers don’t improve their play for the rest of the 2021-22 season.