Despite becoming the first Lakers head coach since Phil Jackson to reach and win an NBA championship, Frank Vogel’s days in that role appear to be numbered. Vogel’s trademark defense-first style has always been an awkward fit with this very flawed current roster, but as the 2021-22 season has worn on, it’s become obvious that he’s lost the ability to motivate his roster full of veteran former All-Stars and future Hall-of-Famers, most of whom are past their prime.
Vogel was reportedly on the brink of getting fired in mid-January, but the Lakers ultimately opted against jettisoning him as the team’s play improved slightly later that month, and Anthony Davis had his best stretch of the season in his return from a knee injury before getting hurt again in February.