Inside The Celtics

Lakers Secure Permission to Interview Sam Cassell: 'Happy to Have Him'

Bobby Krivitsky

Feb 3, 2019; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach Sam Cassell during the game.
Feb 3, 2019; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach Sam Cassell during the game. / Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
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According to Shams Charania and Jovan Buha of The Athletic, Sam Cassell has emerged as one of the front-runners for the Lakers' head coaching vacancy.

The 15-year NBA floor general has worked closely with Jayson Tatum this season. He played an instrumental role in helping the five-time All-Star elevate his post-up game.

Before joining the Celtics' coaching staff, Cassell, a three-time NBA champion, had a hand in John Wall, Bradley Beal, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Tyrese Maxey's development, among others. 

"He's been in every seat on the bench in the NBA, so he knows how to communicate with every single player," said Joe Mazzulla during his media availability before Boston hosts the Cavaliers in Game 5 with a chance to reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the sixth time in the last eight years on the line. "Loyal. (He) communicates well. He's a good coach. Great coach. Happy to have him."

But while JJ Redick may have the inside edge due to his relationship with LeBron James, whom he co-hosts the Mind the Game podcast with, Los Angeles has secured permission to interview Cassell, among others, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Further Reading

Simple Changes Spark Stifling Second Half Defense in Celtics' Game 4 Win vs. Cavs

Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown Still Shaking Off Criticism While Growing as Leaders

Jrue Holiday Delivers 'Masterclass' in Game 3 Win vs. Cavs

Jayson Tatum Breaks Out of Scoring Slump That Never Defined Him: 'Underappreciated'

Celtics Discuss 'Unacceptable Performance' in Game 2 Loss to Cavs

Derrick White Discusses Joining Elite Company in Game 1 Win vs. Cavaliers

Jaylen Brown Leads Celtics to Tone-Setting Win in Game 1 vs. Cavaliers

Kristaps Porzingis Discusses Target Date to Rejoin Celtics' Playoff Run: 'Doing Everything I Can'

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Bobby Krivitsky
BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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