Erik Spoelstra Given 10-1 Odds to Be Lakers’ Next Head Coach

• Erik Spoelstra is being mentioned as a possible candidate for the Lakers’ head coaching job
• Spoelstra has been head coach of the Miami Heat since 2008
• He led the Heat to four consecutive trips to the NBA Finals from 2011-14

Will Erik Spoelstra jet for Hollywood? Sportsbooks don’t appear to think so, as they’ve set -5000 odds that the Miami Heat coach will not be coaching the Los Angeles Lakers at the beginning of the 2019-20 NBA season.

Will Spoelstra Coach Lakers for Game 1 of the 2019-20 Season?

Odds taken 04/09/19.

Speculation is Rampant About the Lakers’ Head Coaching Job

It’s been a long time since Spoelstra was a video coordinator for the Miami Heat. He’s risen up the ranks and become an NBA Champion on the sidelines. With Luke Walton seemingly on the outside looking in on  the Lakers’ front office, there’s loads of speculation about next year’s head coaching job.

“I think it’ll be Ty Lue. He’s going to have to get a hefty salary. Even though he and LeBron like each other and have respect for each other, he knows LeBron’s a lot to deal with. Magic will be a lot to deal with.”@Chris_Broussard on next Lakers head coach pic.twitter.com/tAct3Hb9eM

— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) March 26, 2019

It’s no wonder that Spoelstra has gotten consideration, or that the Lakers would idealize a situation with him as the bench boss. He has won a title with LeBron James before, and is widely considered to be the best coach James has ever played for.

Spoelstra Has Strong Roots in Miami

While it would be fun to see these two reunited in the Lakers purple and gold, Spoelstra has positioned himself well in one of the NBA’s premiere franchises, and has a strong relationship with a front office that backs him no matter what. He has total authority as the Heat’s head coach and that situation appears to be ideal.

Some final moments together for Erik Spoelstra and Dwyane Wade, who have been together from the start. pic.twitter.com/HCDk2uZJct

— Will Manso (@WillMansoWPLG) April 9, 2019

The cozy confines of South Beach and tutelage under one of the NBA’s true personnel trailblazers in Pat Riley is too much to walk away from for Spoelstra.

You won’t find much value in the -5000 odds available, but it’s absolutely the right call.

Pick: No (-5000)