The former head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, Frank Vogel, was fired after only two seasons. Vogel was hired by the Lakers in 2019 and coached the team through the 2020 season. The Lakers had a successful season under his leadership, winning the 2020 NBA championship and making it to the 2021 playoffs. So what happened to Coach Vogel?
Vogel’s Coaching Career
Frank Vogel is an experienced head coach who has over 15 years of NBA coaching experience. He was a head coach for the Indiana Pacers from 2011 to 2016 and led the team to the playoffs five times. He also coached the Orlando Magic from 2016 to 2018, reaching the playoffs in his first season. After a few years away from the NBA, Vogel joined the Lakers in 2019.
Vogel’s Success with the Lakers
Vogel was hired to help the Lakers reach their full potential. He had a successful first season with the team, leading them to the 2020 NBA championship. He also led the team to a strong start in the 2021 season, and the Lakers were in first place when the regular season ended.
The Decision to Fire Vogel
Despite the team’s success, the Lakers decided to fire Vogel after the 2020 season. The reasons for his dismissal are not fully known, but there are a few theories.
Conflicting Philosophies
The most likely reason for Vogel’s dismissal is that his coaching philosophy did not align with the team’s front office. Vogel is a traditional coach who prefers to focus on defense and fundamentals. The Lakers’ front office, however, prefers an up-tempo, offense-oriented approach. This discrepancy likely caused friction between Vogel and the front office, leading to his dismissal.
Lack of Player Development
Another possible reason for Vogel’s firing is that he did not do enough to develop the team’s young players. Vogel was criticized for not giving the younger players enough playing time, and this may have been a factor in his dismissal.
Sacrificing Offense for Defense
Vogel was also criticized for sacrificing the team’s offense in order to focus on defense. The Lakers’ offense was slow and methodical under his leadership, which led to some fans and pundits questioning his coaching decisions.
The Aftermath
The Lakers decided to hire former player and assistant coach Tyronn Lue to replace Vogel. Lue has a different coaching philosophy than Vogel and is expected to bring more of an offensive focus to the team.
Vogel’s Legacy
Despite his short tenure with the Lakers, Vogel had a successful season with the team and helped them win the 2020 NBA championship. He was also praised for his leadership and ability to get the most out of his players.
Conclusion
Coach Vogel was fired by the Los Angeles Lakers after two successful seasons. The reasons for his dismissal are not fully known, but it is likely due to a difference in philosophies between him and the team’s front office. Vogel had a successful season with the Lakers and will be remembered for helping the team win the 2020 NBA championship.