The Los Angeles Lakers appointed Frank Vogel as their new head coach this summer, and Vogel knows that he is going to be under tremendous pressure at Staples Center. The Lakers missed the playoffs for six consecutive years, and all eyes will be on Vogel to get the team back where it belongs in the Western Conference.
Vogel previously coached the Indiana Pacers between 2010 and 2016 and then the Orlando Magic for two seasons between 2016 and 2018. He led the Pacers to two straight Eastern Conference Finals in 2013 and 2014.
The Lakers are without an NBA championship for almost a decade and the fans are desperate for the glory days to come back. They added LeBron James lasts summer, but he missed a portion of the season with injuries, failing to lead Los Angeles to the playoffs. The Lakers also acquired Anthony Davis in a blockbuster trade with the New Orleans Pelicans this summer.
Frank Vogel says the Lakers "have the pieces to compete for a championship." Is he right? https://t.co/9g6VZtPnqb pic.twitter.com/q7d4zqrx1y
— Silver Screen and Roll (@LakersSBN) September 15, 2019
Vogel’s relationship with James will be critical to the Lakers’ performances on the floor and it is no secret that the 15-time NBA All-Star wanted to see his former coach, Tyronn Lue, as Luke Walton’s replacement on the Lakers. Still, Vogel is sure that he can develop a good relationship with LeBron.
“I only know how he’s been with me,” Vogel said. “That’s the only measuring stick I’m going to use. I’m not going to look at how it’s been with his past coaches. That really doesn’t concern me. I want to shape my own opinion of him as a person and one of the greatest ever. I’m going to take my approach and work together with him to hopefully do something special.”
