Van Gundy, Ollie, Calipari and Fisher all linked with position after D’Antoni resignation.
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly expected to ask the Chicago Bulls for permission to interview their current coach, Tom Thibodeau.
Owner Jim Buss is understood to be aware of the impact his next coaching appointment will have on not only the franchise but his legacy as the owner, and while things haven’t gone according to plan so far, he hopes to make the first big step towards success this summer.
It is understood that the likes of George Karl, Jeff Van Gundy, Byron Scott and Kevin Ollie will be amongst the candidates who will be interviewed for the position, but Kobe Bryant is also reportedly keen to see Thibodeau come in next year.
While there has previously been reports of friction between the Bulls coach and management, it would appear unlikely that he is ready to leave Chicago for Los Angeles at this stage of his career.
With Derrick Rose expected to return next season as well as some new recruits in free agency, Thibodeau would be leaving behind a championship contender to oversee a rebuilding job at the Staples Center.
In addition, he recently a contract extension which would suggest that he sees his long-term future in Chicago despite their disappointing playoff exit this year and so the Lakers may well have to switch their attention elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Yahoo! Sports writer Adrian Wojnarowski has suggested that Derek Fisher remains a strong candidate for the role despite his lack of previous coaching experience, and while there are questions over how he would be handle Bryant, a former team-mate, it remains to be seen whether or not he would be able to develop draft picks and attract high-profile free agents.
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