Odds Say Frank Vogel Lasts as Lakers’ Head Coach at Least Through All-Star Weekend
- Frank Vogel was hired Saturday as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers
- One sportsbook is offering a prop wager favoring Vogel to still be on the job after the 2020 NBA All-Star weekend
- The last Lakers head coach to be fired in his first season on the job was Rudy Tomjanovich in 2004-05
Frank Vogel hasn’t been on the job 48 hours, and already there’s speculation about his future as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Perhaps the uncertainty is understandable. At the most optimistic best, Vogel was the third choice to be the next coach of the Lakers. Originally, it was rumored that Vogel would be on the Lakers staff working as an assistant to Tyronn Lue.
GM Rob Pelinka fully believes in coach Frank Vogel 🙌#lakers pic.twitter.com/hQDpvuQ26O
— LakeShow (@LakeShowCP) May 14, 2019
When both Lue and Monty Williams turned down the job, the Lakers turned to Vogel, whose odds of landing the position were as high as +700.
Now that he’s on the clock, there’s going to be plenty of people watching Vogel’s clock tick. A prop bet that favors Vogel surviving as Lakers coach beyond the 2019-20 NBA All-Star weekend.
Who Will Be Los Angeles Lakers Coach on Feb. 17, 2020?
| Who Will Be Lakers Coach on Feb. 17, 2020? | Odds |
|---|---|
| Frank Vogel | -600 |
| Jason Kidd | +600 |
| Tyronn Lue | +700 |
| Any Other Coach | +1100 |
*Odds taken 05/14/19
The only LA Lakers head coach not to survive his first season on the job was Rudy Tomjanovich. He resigned 43 games into the campaign. Tomjanovich cited mental and physical exhaustion. Even then, speculation was the Lakers had subtly pushed Tomjanovich out.
To Be Frank, Vogel Might Be Great
Things didn’t go well for Vogel in his last stint as coach of the Orlando Magic. But there was some magic when he was in charge of the Indiana Pacers, reaching back-to-back conference finals in 2013 and 2014.
Shaquille O'Neal supports coach Frank Vogel 🙌#lakers pic.twitter.com/SGUheQP1lp
— LakeShow (@LakeShowCP) May 14, 2019
His teams always play well defensively and that generally gives them a chance to win.
One of those who went to the wall for Vogel was legendary Lakers coach Phil Jackson, so that endorsement would certainly carry weight.
Watch Out for the Kidd in the Corner
By hiring Jason Kidd to Vogel’s staff, the Lakers instantly assured controversy. Kidd and Lakers star LeBron James are tight. They played together on the 2008 US Olympic team.
LeBron and Jason Kidd have an extensive history.
Now they'll team up as player and coach in LA 💪 pic.twitter.com/p3llZG4mPK
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 12, 2019
In Cleveland, James sided with assistant coach Lue, helping oust head coach David Blatt. Might that happen again?
There are issues with Kidd, though. He’s faced domestic abuse and DWI charges while in the league. The Lakers may want to wait and see how Kidd is received before assigning him a leadership role.
Give it Time
Stability is desperately needed where the Lakers are concerned. Shuttling coaches in and out is no way to convince free agents that Showtime is once again a desirable destination.
The Lakers have $35 million in cap space to play with. Any player coming to LA is going to want to see evidence that things are under control.
You’d have to think Vogel gets at least one year to make it happen for the Lakers.
Pick: Frank Vogel (-600)
An industry veteran, Bob literally taught the course on the history of sports at Elder College. He has worked as a Sports Columnist for Postmedia, appeared as a guest on several radio stations, was the Vice President of the Society For International Hockey Research in Ontario, and written 25 books.
