Report: Michigan head coach Juwan Howard emerging as candidate for NBA job

The Lakers were a dumpster fire over the 2021-22 season, and ended their season on the outside looking in of the NBA Playoffs. As the team is expected to fire coach Frank Vogel, Los Angeles could look to the college ranks to replace him — specifically eying Michigan coach Juwan Howard.

On Monday, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported the Lakers could bring Howard into the fold to lead the team featuring LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

“Over the next several weeks, expect several other candidates to emerge, including University of Michigan coach Juwan Howard, who interviewed for the opening in 2019,” wrote Charania.

As Charania writes, the Lakers had interest in Howard in the past, notably interviewing him for the job in 2019. Now, the second time could be the charm for a working-relationship to come to fruition.

Moreover, Howard will have competition for the job, as the Lakers are also interested in prying coach Nick Nurse away from the Toronto Raptors.

“Among the franchise’s top targets for the position, multiple sources say, is Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse,” wrote Charania. “.. Nurse, who led the Raptors to a championship in 2019, signed a multiyear contract extension in 2020 and has two years left on his deal. It’s unclear whether he will be attainable or whether he would have interest, but the Lakers are hoping the former Coach of the Year is an option with the allure of coaching James and Davis and the appeal of the Los Angeles market.

“To acquire Nurse, the Lakers would need to receive permission from the Raptors and likely engage them on a prospective trade.”

The Lakers have plenty to consider this off-season, but landing Juwan Howard could rock both the NBA and Michigan. Time will tell the direction the franchise decides to take this offseason, but having LeBron James at the helm is certainly a great starting point.