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Former NBA Star Shares Harsh LeBron James Reality for Next Lakers Coach

Who will the Los Angeles Lakers hire as their next coach?

Joey Linn

Mar 14, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) looks over at
Mar 14, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) looks over at / Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
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The Los Angeles Lakers are currently conducting their search for the franchise's next head coach. There have been a lot of different names linked to the job, with former NBA guard JJ Redick expected to be among the favorites.

Redick hosts a podcast with Lakers star LeBron James, but has never coached at the NBA level. During a recent episode of Gil's Arena, former NBA star and Memphis Grizzlies guard Gilbert Arenas shared a harsh reality for the next Lakers coach, saying their job security is tied to LeBron James.

"Whoever it is, you're gonna get fired as soon as LeBron James is gone," Arenas said. "So whatever LeBron's contract is - two years? That's your contract."

While the opinion of James will certainly be considered by the Lakers when they select their next head coach, that does not automatically mean that coach will be out once James is gone. That said, Arenas feels that whoever is hired by the Lakers will be fired once James leaves or retires.

Regardless of if Arenas is right or wrong with this take, what cannot be argued is that the next Lakers head coach will have an immense responsibility on their shoulders to get this franchise back on track. After a first round exit, Los Angeles is hoping to re-enter championship contention next season, and their next head coach will be tasked with leading that ship.

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Joey Linn

JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn52@gmail.com Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis and reporting Experience: Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.