David Fizdale reportedly turned down more money from the Indiana Pacers to coach LeBron James in Los Angeles. The assistant coach will join Frank Vogel’s staff in L.A., replacing Jason Kidd.
This move was celebrated by plenty of people around the league. Further, seeing the reasons behind it, he’ll get more respect. According to Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated, Fizdale wanted to join LeBron at Staples Center instead of joining Rick Carlisle’s coaching staff in Indiana.
David Fizdale accepted Lakers assistant coach opening over more lucrative Indiana offer, @TheUndefeated learned. Former Grizzlies & Knicks coach preferred being reunited with LeBron, being home in LA and Lakers title chances. LeBron & Fiz communicated after latter agreed to deal.
David Fizdale accepted Lakers assistant coach opening over more lucrative Indiana offer, @TheUndefeated learned. Former Grizzlies & Knicks coach preferred being reunited with LeBron, being home in LA and Lakers title chances. LeBron & Fiz communicated after latter agreed to deal.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) July 1, 2021
Fizdale has the chance to join a contender after spending the past couple of years with struggling franchises. This is great for the assistant, who already won with LeBron in Miami.
They’ll try to relive those old glories in a different city with another team. This is a great move for David, LeBron, and the Lakers. After suffering a first-round elimination in the 2021 playoff, the purple and gold are making big moves this offseason. Adding Fizdale to the staff will bring a lot of benefits.
