Help Wanted Ad for LA Lakers' Open Coaching Position
Do you like the idea of winning championship rings?
How about living and working in sunny Southern California?
If so, the Los Angeles Lakers' head coaching position may be the perfect opportunity for you!
Responsibilities:
The head coach manages the day-to-day basketball operations of the team. He must schedule all meetings, practices and film sessions.
Autonomy will be granted to the coach on all in-game decisions, such as rotations, starting lineups and playing time allotment. However, it is recommended to play enough players so as to not trigger arcane NBA protocols.
Coach must be available to make media appearances and handle both pre-game and post-game interviews and press conferences.
He must develop chemistry and cohesion amongst his players and is expected to go out of his way to work with individuals on a one-to-one basis in addition to handling team duties.
The coach will have input—but not final say—on all player personnel decisions and coaching staff hires.
This position reports directly to the General Manager.
Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong leadership qualities. Motivational speaking skills are essential to performing duties.
The ability to implement a fundamentally sound defense is a MUST.
The Lakers finished in the top six in the league in points allowed per possession every season from 2008 to 2011. That resulted in three trips to the finals and two titles.
They ranked 14th, 18th and 28th in that category over the last three years, respectively, being eliminated from contention progressively quicker each season.
Potential hires must be able to handle the pressure of coaching in a big market with extremely high expectations from fans.
Last season marked just the sixth time the Lakers failed to reach the postseason in the franchise's proud 66-year history.
Their longest gap between finals appearances is nine years. Next season will be year five of the current drought. The pressure will begin to mount to build a winner quickly.
Being able to adapt coaching schemes and philosophies to fit the players on the roster is also paramount.
For instance, if the team's biggest strength is in the paint, the coach needs to tailor his game plan to enhance that characteristic. Don't park Jordan Hill on the bench and tell Pau Gasol to hoist up 20-footers.
Candidates must also be able to work with a multitude of egos and personalities, from rookies to veterans looking for their next payday, to a couple of future Hall of Famers.
Los Angeles' next head coach has to be able to develop the young talent the Lakers will acquire in this and future drafts.
At the same time, he must also command the respect of Steve Nash and, especially, Kobe Bryant.
Bryant did not fully back his last two coaches, and it's little surprise that each got canned fairly early in their respective tenures.
Previous coaching experience is highly desired.
While head coaches with no prior experience have had success recently—Mark Jackson and Jason Kidd come to mind, and Steve Kerr's situation is set up to make him look good as well—the Lakers' job may be a bit much for a first-timer to handle.
A proven track record of success as either a head coach or an assistant coach will be viewed favorably.
Please send all application materials to Mitch Kupchak and Jim Buss.
Thank you, and good luck!
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