Picture Credit: LA Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers have officially parted ways with their head coach Frank Vogel after a terrible season with a record of 33 wins and 49 losses. But Vogel wasn’t aware of this decision until 11 April.
In the post-match interview after winning their last game, the 48-year-old said, "I haven't been told s--- and I'm going to enjoy tonight's game, celebrate what these young guys did in terms of scratching and clawing and getting back in this game and getting a W, and we'll deal with tomorrow, tomorrow," he told reporters during his postgame media availability.
The Lakeshow ended the season in the bottom 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency, they were placed 21st in defensive rating after finishing first in 2020-21 and third in 2019-20. The L.A. season lost all hope as they were defeated in 18 of 24 games after the All-Star break.
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka expressed his thoughts on the decision of firing Vogel on Monday. He said, "Today is not going to be a day of finger-pointing and unwinding all the specific reasons. We just felt organizational, at the highest level, it was time for a new voice. ... That's not to say anything against the incredible accomplishments that Frank Vogel has had. He was a great coach here, and he's going to go on to be a great coach somewhere else.”
This was a disappointing Lakers season at every level: Pelinka
Pelinka expressed his discontent with the team and was quoted saying, “This was a disappointing Lakers season at every level In the face of disappointment, our fans expect more, and that's in every facet. It starts in the front office led by me, and our ability to construct the right roster. It starts with the coaches holding players accountable and making sure there's on-court execution.”
“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Frank both on and off the court. Frank is a great coach and a good man. We will forever be grateful to him for his work in guiding us to the 2019-20 NBA championship. This is an incredibly difficult decision to make, but one we feel is necessary at this point. All of us here wish Frank and his wonderful family all the best for the future.”
