Matthew Stockman/Getty ImagesThe Los Angeles Lakers boast one of the NBA's most storied franchises, play in one of the most glamorous markets and roster one the most impactful one-two punches in LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
One might assume, then, that coaching candidates would be circling the block around Crypto.com Arena and waiting with fingers crossed for the chance to lead this team.
Anyone who has followed this search, though, know that isn't the case. Or anything even remotely close to it.
L.A. has already been turned down by its top choice, Dan Hurley, who opted instead to return to the two-time defending national champion UConn Huskies. It is unclear what the Purple and Gold have in mind for Plan B, although ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported JJ Redick could move "to the forefront of the franchise's search" with a strong performance in an upcoming interview.
James Borrego has also been labeled as a "leading candidate" for the position, per Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer, though the New Orleans Pelicans assistant is also in the running for the Cleveland Cavaliers' job. And if Borrego wound up getting the chance to decide between the openings, there's a real chance he may not side with the Lakers.
That's because, ESPN's Brian Windhorst opined on ESPN Cleveland, that "many people" would prefer to coach the Cavaliers over the Lakers.
ESPN Cleveland @ESPNClevelandIs the Cavs job more attractive than the Lakers HC job? <a href="https://twitter.com/WindhorstESPN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WindhorstESPN</a> breaks down why some around the NBA would think that... <br><br>"No. 1 and the most important reason is that the Cavs roster is better" <a href="https://t.co/o1JlFe7cxb">pic.twitter.com/o1JlFe7cxb</a>
"For many people in the NBA, I think they would think that the Cavs job is more attractive," Windhorst said Tuesday. "No. 1, and the most important reason, is that the Cavs roster is better. The Cavs have a better team than the Lakers do... Secondly, the Cavs play in the Eastern Conference. The Eastern Conference right now, the ability to compete and win at the highest level, it's an easier path.
"And frankly, the Cavs organization might out-pay the Lakers on the head coach."
This isn't how things are supposed to go in Hollywood.
The idea of Lakers' exceptionalism isn't a novel one, but the premise is that things just have a way of working themselves out for this franchise. And there are 17 championship banners suggesting the concept has some legs to it.
Separate the current squad from its decorated history, though, and perhaps this notion is falling apart.
Shouldn't this proud and purportedly all-powerful franchise have its proverbial pick of the litter when inking a new coach? Maybe in theory, sure, but the real-time results of this search feel like a giant reality check.
The Lakers are not who we thought they were. Or maybe not who think they are.
They're developing a reputation for pinching pennies—at least when it comes to their front office and coaching staff. They can't claim to offer security, when the last coach who lasted more than three seasons with the franchise was Phil Jackson. Their history of winning big is fading further into the rearview as they've finished seventh or worse in the Western Conference standings in 11 of the last 12 seasons.
And frankly, this roster just isn't up to par with basketball's best, and that's before accounting for the doomsday possibility of James seeking greener pastures (and better championship chances) in free agency.
The Lakers aren't in a great spot, and the basketball world seemingly knows it. Plenty of things need to change this offseason, starting with their reputation.
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