Tyronn Lue Heavily Favored to Coach Lakers in 2019-20, Walton’s Odds Longer than 8-1

• The Los Angeles Lakers (33-42) have been eliminated from playoff contention
• Head Coach Luke Walton is rumored to be fired at the end of the season
• Jason Kidd has been mentioned as possible replacement but has also been tied to jobs at the NCAA level

The worst kept secret in sports is closer to becoming a reality by the day as the Los Angeles Lakers will have a new coach next season.

Who Will Coach the Lakers Next Season?

*Odds taken 03/29/19

LeBron James joined the Lakers last off-season without ever meeting with Luke Walton. It was a bad sign that Walton didn’t really have the respect of the new superstar in town, and there have been multiple examples of that being the case this season. For what it’s worth, cross his name off this list as an option; he won’t be returning.

For my money it’s a two horse race here between Tyronn Lue, who was the head coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers when James won his last title, and Jason Kidd, who is looking to return to coaching. Here’s the case why you should bet Kidd to the next coach, and not only because of the great value.

Jason Kidd will be a “serious candidate” for the Lakers job if Luke Walton is fired, per @wojespn pic.twitter.com/Aq8CZXBCht

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 24, 2019

Expect Lakers to Hire the Biggest Name Available

Lue may be the smarter pick considering he’s had success as an NBA coach, but the ownership in Los Angeles hasn’t proved capable of making the smart decision as of late. With missed opportunities on free agents, bad trades, and of course the Anthony Davis debacle, it’s been a tough run.

Hiring Kidd would definitely provide more of splash, and that to me is something Magic Johnson will be interested in. In addition to being a player LeBron James would respect, he’s also a legend in the game that Johnson would respect as well.

Could Jason Kidd handle the pressure in LA? 👑🤔

➡️ https://t.co/6usJkOcV87 pic.twitter.com/GM0OqIYPUS

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) March 26, 2019

Interest From Cal Could Force Lakers to Act Fast

Kidd starred for Cal in college and is rumored to be a candidate for their head coaching vacancy. Normally the fact a coach has multiple options would be cause for concern, but not here. Even though it’s his old college, there’s no way Kidd would choose coaching for Cal over the opportunity to join James and the Lakers, even after their disastrous season.

There’s no way Kidd would choose coaching for Cal over the opportunity to join James and the Lakers, even after their disastrous season.

If anything, the fact he’s being talked about as a contender for other jobs would ramp up the chances Los Angeles would make a strong play. The fact he’s wanted elsewhere validates their interest and it’s a smart ploy by Kidd’s camp to make sure rumors about him going elsewhere are leaked to the media.

Jason Kidd has nothing but respect for @KingJames. pic.twitter.com/N2za6eU232

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 26, 2019

Kidd is a big name who would get respect from both James and the front office, who also happens to paying out at great value. It’s a coin flip between Kidd and Lue, and any time you can get paid out at +584 on a coin flip, you need to jump at the opportunity.

Pick: Jason Kidd (+584)