Even as he's negotiating a contract extension with NCAA champion Connecticut, Kevin Ollie is expected to soon meet with the L.A. Lakers to discuss the team's vacant coaching position, according to ProBasketballTalk.com.
After leading UConn to a national title in just his second season, the 41-year Ollie has emerged as one of the hottest candidates in all of coaching. The Lakers have long expressed their interest in speaking with Ollie and now comes word the native Californian is also interested in talking about the possibilities.
Even before the Huskies' improbable run, Ollie was highly regarded in NBA circles based on the kind of player he was during his 13-year playing career. Both LeBron James and Kevin Durant were once teammates of Ollie's and have raved about his knowledge of the game and level of professionalism.
After suffering through the franchise's worst season in history, the Lakers recently parted ways with coach Mike D'Antoni after the two sides were unable to reach terms on a possible extension. Diluting D'Antoni's power base all the more was the fact star players Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol had hinted they no longer felt comfortable playing in the veteran coach's uptempo, largely undisciplined system.
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The 35-year-old, 16-time All-Star Bryant is expected to be back at the center of the Lakers' attack next season after playing in just six games this year due to an assortment of nagging injuries.
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