Even though LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers stand a chance to improve with a new head coach, the uphill climb ahead of them may be way too hard for the team. And if The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is to be believed, they don’t stand a chance in the West next season.
During the previous playoffs, the Lakers went all the way to the Conference Finals before they got swept by Nikola Jokic’s Denver Nuggets. Even if that occurred, there was an expectation that the Purple and Gold can build on their momentum last year.

Apar from winning the In-Season Tournament, nothing went right for the Lakers in the race towards the playoffs. Even with a healthy Anthony Edwards, Darvin Ham was unable to make the most out of the roster and finish the regular season strong. In the end, Los Angeles lost again to the Nuggets in the first round of this year’s playoffs.
Now that James and company are out of the playoffs, the front office will have to find a replacement for Darvin Ham after he was let go. Among the names being targeted are Boston Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell and NBA analyst JJ Redick.
Bill Simmons Drops Harsh Reality on LeBron James and Los Angeles Lakers Amid Coaching Search

As the search is going on, various personalities have publicized their preference to get the job. But for The Ringer’s Bill Simmons, though, nothing will change. In a video shared by NBA Central on X:
Bill Simmons believes that it doesn’t matter who the Lakers hire as their head coach as long as they are in the same conference as Minnesota, OKC, Dallas, and Wembanyama
“The Lakers are f*cking done.”
(🎥 @ringer )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 22, 2024
As seen during the past year, the number one guys Simmons mentioned have all taken a leap in their respective careers. On the other hand, James is getting older and is nearing retirement from the NBA.

It remains to be seen whether James can prove Simmons wrong or he ends up playing for another team next season with Bronny. In any case, the West is going to a lot more exciting in the years to come.

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