Doc Rivers has a very tricky legacy as a coach in the NBA. While he has enjoyed an almost 20+ year career as a head coach in the league, many still question his ability to be one of the best coaches in the NBA. This is despite Rivers being the man to unify the 2008 Boston Celtics and lead them to a championship that year.
However, Rivers is also the only coach in NBA history to blow two 3-1 leads in the NBA Playoffs. With the ascension of his Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid as an MVP candidate, there is pressure on Rivers to deliver in the post-season with Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and James Harden.
It seems like there was a job waiting for Rivers, as he was linked with the opening for the Lakers head coach role. But Rivers has cleared the air on those rumors in an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer by reiterating his commitment to Philly and how he thought the Lakers’ treatment of Frank Vogel was ‘unfair’.
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— Silver Screen and Roll (@LakersSBN) April 16, 2022
“I think it’s so unfair. I thought the Frank Vogel thing was so unfair. We work just like you guys work. How would you like your jobs to be mentioned every day? I mean, even if it’s someone wanting to have you, it’s just not right. I hate it. There’s nothing I can do about it.”
On the rumors linking him to the Lakers, Rivers had this to say, “No, I’m not a candidate. I have a job, and I am very happy in my job.”
The Lakers have so far been linked with Rivers, Celtics President Brad Stevens, Jazz head coach Quin Snyder, Raptors head coach Nick Nurse, and former Warriors head coach Mark Jackson.
Rivers may not have a choice in which team he goes to if a failed post-season leads to him being fired. Anyway, it doesn’t seem the Lakers fans are thrilled about the former Clippers coach coaching them.