Lakers Rumors: Latest Whispers on Coaching Search, Carlos Boozer and More

Chances are, the Los Angeles Lakers are going to have a coach one of these days.

The Lakers moved a bit further along in the search process Wednesday and appear to have a front-runner, but nothing is definite until Byron Scott (or someone else) signs a contract. What’s more, Los Angeles could still be looking to make some personnel moves. 

With that in mind, here is a glance at the latest news and rumors from Lakers camp.

Coaching Search 

Chuck Burton/Associated Press

Mark Medina of the L.A. Daily News filled fans in on the latest regarding Scott and the coaching position:

Scott has been considered the favorite for some time, and he even has superstar Kobe Bryant’s endorsement, per ESPN's Dave McMenamin. The fact that there was no actual offer made could be construed as worrisome from the Scott camp, but he was discussing personnel. It’s difficult to imagine the Lakers’ front office talking roster moves with someone who won’t be in the fold next season.

Mark Duncan/Associated Press

Scott proved himself as a coach over the years with the New Jersey Nets (now Brooklyn), New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans) and Cleveland Cavaliers.

He led the Nets to back-to-back appearances in the NBA Finals from the sidelines, but his connection with Los Angeles is through his playing days. He may not be drilling three-pointers off of no-look passes from Magic Johnson anymore, but Scott would certainly be welcomed back by Lakers fans.

Carlos Boozer

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

The Chicago Bulls amnestied Carlos Boozer, which means other teams under the salary cap can submit bids on the forward’s contract through a 48-hour period.

Eric Pincus of the Los Angeles Times described how the Lakers can join the fold in that race for Boozer:

"

The Lakers are one of many teams still armed with salary-cap room…Both Young and returning center-forward Jordan Hill have yet to re-sign, giving the Lakers additional flexibility to add to the roster -- possibly through an amnesty claim on Boozer.

The Lakers can also waive and stretch the contract of Steve Nash over three years, increasing cap room this summer by about $6 million, while reducing the space over the next two seasons by $3.2 million.

"

Boozer receives his fair share of criticism because of his lackluster defense, but he can still be a double-double threat in the right situation. He averaged 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds a night for the Bulls last year in 76 games, so he is durable as well.

Chicago general manager Gar Forman had positive reviews for Boozer’s game, via Pincus:

"

Carlos epitomized professionalism in everything he did for the Bulls both on the court and in the community during his time here in Chicago. Over the last four seasons, Carlos’ productivity helped elevate our team to another level.  I have nothing but respect for Carlos, and certainly wish him the best as he moves forward. 

"

The Lakers could use some experienced veterans on the roster, and Boozer would be a good place to start. Perhaps the combination of Boozer, Bryant and a new coach could help Los Angeles sneak into the postseason next year.

Ryan Kelly

Medina provided an update on some of that possible roster shaping, including an impending deal with Ryan Kelly:

Kelly posted nightly averages of eight points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists last year and shot 33.8 percent from behind the three-point line. He came into the league as a second-round pick in 2013 but exceeded expectations by working his way into the starting lineup for the Lakers.

Gus Ruelas/Associated Press

At 6’11”, Kelly can occasionally bang around down low, but it is his ability to stretch the floor that makes him valuable. He still struggles on the defensive side though, and whichever coach lands the Lakers gig will likely make improvement there a priority. 

Of course, they have to actually hire that coach first.

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