• Loading stock data...
Friday, December 6, 2024
Tune in on Dec. 11 at 1:05 p.m. ET for our last Future of Sports virtual summit of the year – Future of Sports: Marketing! Register Now

The $5.5B-Valued Lakers Need to Find 6th Coach In a Decade

  • The Lakers will reportedly fire Frank Vogel two seasons after winning a championship.
  • LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook — who account for 73.4% of the team’s payroll — played only 21 games together.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Just moments after winning their final game of the season — but missing the postseason with a dismal 33-49 record — the Lakers reportedly decided to fire head coach Frank Vogel, per ESPN.

When asked about it, Vogel said, “I haven’t been told s**t.”

The exchange encapsulates the dysfunction and lack of transparency in an organization that saw little return on its gigantic offseason investment — and found an easy scapegoat. 

  • James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook made up 73.4% of the team’s $164M payroll, but played just 21 games together — and went 11-10
  • The Lakers were the only team without at least one five-man lineup playing at least 100 minutes together.
  • He finished his three-year tenure with a 127-98 record and 56.4% win percentage — seventh-highest in Lakers history (min. 200 games). 

Now, they’re reportedly looking for a “recent championship coach” to fill the spot. Apparently, Vogel doesn’t qualify despite leading L.A. to its first title in 10 years in 2020.

The prestigious franchise, and third-highest-valued team in the NBA ($5.5B), continues to suffer a shocking turnover rate: L.A. will hire a sixth coach since 2012 — and third since LeBron James signed in 2018. 

Their non-coaching outlook includes aging superstars on expiring contracts, no financial flexibility, and no first-round picks until 2026.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jul 20, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver arrives prior to the WNBA All Star Game at Footprint Center.

NBA Set for China Return Five Years After Morey–Hong Kong Fiasco

The Nets and Suns will play two games in Macao in October 2025.

Las Vegas Doubles Down on Sports With $1.75B Ballpark and NBA Arena

Ballpark and arena projects in the booming sports market receive key approvals.
Sponsored

Racing Forward: How SailGP is Redefining High-Performance Sailing and Championing Gender Equality

SailGP is redefining high-performance sailing through their bold commitment to gender equality and their Women’s Performance Program.
Sep 21, 2024; Provo, Utah, USA; Brigham Young Cougars alumni and Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith speaks with Adrian Wojnarowski in the game against the Kansas State Wildcats at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

Adrian Wojnarowski Reveals Cancer Diagnosis Influenced His ESPN Departure

The former ESPN NBA insider said his prostate cancer prognosis is good.

Featured Today

Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.
November 30, 2024

U.S. Investors Are Gunning for England’s Small Soccer Clubs

Is another Hollywood-like success story possible among the U.K.’s smallest clubs?
Nov 1, 2024; Boise, Idaho, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty (2) leads the team onto the field prior to the first quarter against the San Diego State Aztecs at Albertsons Stadium.
November 29, 2024

Schools Are Scrambling to Prepare for the NCAA Revenue-Sharing Era

In the post–House v. NCAA world, “everyone’s kind of on their own.”
Nov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Recording artist Taylor Swift arrives prior to a game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
November 29, 2024

The PWHL Could Be Inviting a Date With Taylor Swift’s Legal Team

The Toronto Sceptres may have opened a Pandora’s box of trademark issues.
Old Commanders logo

Commanders Plan to Bring Back Old Logo on Special Alumni Merchandise

The Commanders are bringing back their old logo in limited fashion.
December 3, 2024

As LeBron James Struggles, Lakers—and NBA—Face Murky Future

In October, James had said he wanted to play all 82 games.
Soccer
December 6, 2024

U.S. Buyers Snap Up Yet Another English Soccer Club in Sheffield United

The recently relegated club has agreed to sell to new owners.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Dec 1, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) celebrates with center Alperen Sengun (28) after scoring during the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center.
December 2, 2024

Rockets Look Like Contenders, but Payroll Questions Loom

Houston is a half-game out of first in the Western Conference.
December 2, 2024

Red Bull Faces Driver, Financial Questions After Pérez’s Exit

Sergio Pérez is trailing Max Verstappen by 227 points in the championship.
December 1, 2024

Dodgers All-In Approach Clear As They Add to Championship Core

The defending-champion Dodgers are not resting on their laurels, but wielding their financial might.
Sep 25, 2011; Oakland, CA, USA; New York Jets owner Woody Johnson (center), coach Rex Ryan (left) and general manager Mike Tannenbaum on the sidelines before the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum.
November 25, 2024

Woody Johnson Brings in GM He Fired to Find Replacement for GM..

Mike Tannenbaum is the last Jets GM to guide them to the playoffs.