NBA Rumors: Lakers To Pursue Surprising Candidate To Replace Frank Vogel

As head coach Frank Vogel's days with the Los Angeles Lakers tick down to an excruciating finish (they could be eliminated from the post-season Tuesday night), one surprising name has surfaced as a possible successor. 

According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, the Lakers are expected to relieve Vogel of his duties after the season, and Doc Rivers has been mentioned as a name they will pursue. 

While Utah Jazz bench boss Quin Snyder had previously been rumored as a potential Lakers target, Rivers' name is a new one to enter the mix. The Philadelphia 76ers head coach "is another active bench leader being mentioned by league personnel as a potential Lakers candidate," writes Fischer. 

"Rivers’ tenure in Philadelphia has also come into question of late, spurred by team president Daryl Morey’s deadline acquisition of James Harden and the mounting speculation that followed about a potential reunification with Harden’s former Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni."

Rivers has even made some curious comments recently that have the potential to alienate Harden. 

If Rivers does indeed depart Philly, there's also a connection for him in Utah, if Snyder leaves. As noted by Fischer, Danny Ainge is now the Jazz CEO, and of course, Rivers spent plenty of time working under Ainge in Boston. 

No doubt, there'll be plenty of candidates for the Lakers job. It's been a wild ride for Vogel, from 2020 NBA champion, to possibly missing the playoffs this year. According to sources, he's expected to be exiting the ride very shortly.

Photo Credit:  Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports