After seemingly placing their complete trust on former Laker and current head coach Byron Scott, the rumor mill has started swirling again and it involves the possible hiring of Tom Thibodeau.
Thibodeau has had his problems with the Chicago Bulls and it was widely speculated that he would be kicked off the team regardless of how the Bulls fare in the NBA playoffs. As everyone knows by now, The Bulls were bumped off by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round over at the Eastern Conference.
Prior to the rumors, there was no mention that the Lakers were looking to hire a new head coach. The immediate understanding was that the Lakers were pretty much satisfied with Scott though the Lakers ended up with a woeful record in the 2014-15 NBA wars.
Moreso, Scott was the one who represented the Lakers at the NBA draft lottery so rumors about the Lakers interest on Thibodeau is certainly surprising.
Adding fuel to the fire is the fact that it was Kobe Bryant had hinted of wanting to play for Thibodeau last summer. At that time, the Lakers were still without a head coach before they ended up settling for Byron Scott.
Scott didn't exactly have a smooth relationship with his players and actually got into the nerves of most. But would that be enough to entertain such coaching rumors tied up with Thibodeau?
If true, the Lakers may have to slug it out with other teams who are eyeing Thibodeau. The New Orleans Pelicans and the Orlando Magic are vocal about getting Thibodeau if he gets the boot so it may all end up in a bidding war.
Hiring Thibodeau on an assistant coaching capacity could be an option for the Lakers but if there are head coaching jobs available, the Chicago Bull coach could very well opt for that instead.
So is Scott's job on the line? For now it seems uncanny though it could be reserved for next season. But will Kobe still be around to play? Let us wait and see if this rumor prospers.
