The Los Angeles Lakers hired Frank Vogel as their head coach on Monday, confirming news that was widely reported Saturday.
However, the press release announcing the move made no mention of the other alleged piece of the Lakers’ new coaching setup. Multiple media outlets reported Saturday that Jason Kidd would be hired as an assistant coach on Vogel’s staff, but Kidd wasn’t mentioned Monday in the Lakers’ announcement.
Vogel landed a multiyear deal for an undisclosed salary. Numerous media reports indicated it is a three-year contract.
“We are excited to add Frank Vogel as the next head coach of the Lakers,” general manager Rob Pelinka said in a statement. “Coach Vogel has a proven track record of success in the NBA Playoffs, and he reflects the core qualities we were looking for in a head coach — including, detailed game preparation, extreme hard work, and holding players accountable to the highest basketball standards.”
Vogel said in the team-issued statement, “I am very excited for this opportunity to join the Lakers, a prestigious organization that I have long admired. I look forward to coaching such phenomenal talent and bringing my strategic vision to the team.”
Vogel, 45, replaces Luke Walton, who mutually parted ways with the Lakers on April 12 after compiling a 98-148 record in three seasons. Walton subsequently was hired as the Sacramento Kings head coach.
Los Angeles never made the postseason during Walton’s tenure.
The head-coaching job will be the third of Vogel’s NBA career, in which he has compiled a 304-291 (.511) regular-season record. He was 250-181 with the Indiana Pacers (2010-16), then 54-110 with the Orlando Magic (2016-18).
Vogel led the Pacers to the playoffs five times, and they reached the Eastern Conference finals in 2013 and 2014. His Magic teams didn’t make the postseason.
The New Jersey native also has experience as an assistant coach for the Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics for eight years between 2001 and 2011.
According to multiple media reports, Vogel was no higher than third on the Lakers’ list of candidates to replace Walton. The team reportedly was turned down by Monty Williams and Tyronn Lue.
Vogel will be introduced to the Los Angeles media on May 20.
–Field Level Media
