Rumor: Lakers Coach Frank Vogel's Job In Jeopardy

 

The Los Angeles Lakers have not exactly come bursting out of the gates this season, and head coach Frank Vogel is the one on the hot seat.

Sitting with a 10-10 record about a quarter into the season has the Lakers flirting with play-in territory, in a four-way tie of 7th through 10th in the Western Conference. 

And although many observers would say that the Russell Westbrook trade that robbed them of some key depth pieces has a lot to do with the slow start (in addition to LeBron James missing over half of their games thus far due to injuries), there are rumors starting to circulate that it's Vogel who could be the one to take the fall. 

Report: There’s ‘rising buzz in coaching circles' about Frank Vogel's future in LA https://t.co/bvnHcFb4zt

— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) November 26, 2021

NBA insider Marc Stein has reported that there is “rising buzz in coaching circles about the pressure mounting” on Vogel. And the problem facing the 3rd-year Laker coach, is the team's "lack of flexibility to make roster changes."

The Lakers, of course, are the oldest team in the NBA after the flurry of offseason moves added several players in their mid-to-late 30s. Injuries are a natural expectation for a team with that many older players. 

Fans (and Vogel) are holding their breath that LeBron and Anthony Davis' health holds up as this season progresses. 

Photo Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports