Lakers Coaching Search: Rick Adelman May Not Be the Best Choice

Adelman is a Los Angeles-native, and is very experienced with the Western Conference having coached the Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, and Rockets over the past 22 years.

The idea of Adelman replacing Phil Jackson comes with some surprise given the conflict the two have had in the past. When the Lakers played the Kings in the 2000 Playoffs, Jackson had shown players images of Adelman and Adolf Hitler in the Lakers' film room.  

The problems between Adelman and Jackson may already be buried. That may have to be the case, as the Lakers still value Jackson, and he may still have a role with the organization in some capacity.

Adelman is well respected, but should he become the head coach it will be a different system for the Lakers, and their years of running a triangle offense could very well be scrapped.

Adelman brought former Princeton head coach and guru Pete Carril to serve as an assistant during his days in Sacramento, and Carril helped incorporate an intricate passing system.

It's possible that Adelman would employ such a system with the Lakers. Should Adelman accept the job, the Lakers may have to throw out their entire playbook, which might be a major mistake given the players on the current roster who are well acquainted with the triangle and the assistants on staff.

Indeed, should Adelman take the position, a new group of assistant coaches may join him, and the Lakers could have a new look.

The idea of such changes may not sit well with players and fans. The Lakers have generally been a team that takes care of their own, and would want someone who has won a title before. Since Adelman has no previous ties to the organization, and has never won a ring  at the pro or collegiate level, so he may not be the right fit.

However, Jackson had no ties to the organization, and that worked out pretty good. Jackson did join the team after winning six championships, though.

It's likely the Lakers would feel better off not straying from Jackson's system. In that case, current assistant Brian Shaw would be a more logical choice.  

Many believe Shaw is the favorite to get the job, as players have endorsed him. But basketball insiders believe that the Lakers may need to find a more experienced coach, and one that can perhaps incorporate new life into the team.

One rumor that has been floated around that doesn't fit the experienced tag is having Derek Fisher retire from the team and take over as coach. That might be a huge stretch, as Fisher is still under contract, and has never expressed interest in the position.

More serious candidates include Byron Scott, Larry Brown, Jeff Van Gundy, Pat Riley, and Kurt Rambis.

Another possibility would be to find a promising assistant coach on another organization. Mike Budenholzer, an assistant for the Spurs, and Quin Snyder, of the Philadelphia 76ers, are two that come to mind.

The strategy has worked for the Chicago Bulls, who are in the Eastern Conference Finals under former Celtics' assistant Tom Thibodeau, after sputtering under Vinnie Del Negro. Also, the Lakers had success under Mike Dunleavy, who took them to the Finals in his first year after being an assistant with the Milwaukee Bucks.