Source: Lakers Close To Hiring Kurt Rambis
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly close to re-hiring Kurt Rambis to bolster their coaching staff.
Rambis coached with the Lakers as Phil Jackson's lead assistant coach, where he won all five of his championships with Los Angeles.
Rambis left to coach the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2009, but he was fired after his first two seasons with the team. He has since become an ESPN analyst.
According to ESPN, Rambis has been spotted in Las Vegas, along with Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni, throughout the summer league team's play.
The former power forward played for Los Angeles from 1981-88, and again from 1993-95. He also played for Toronto, Charlotte, Phoenix, and Sacramento.
Rambis, who attended Santa Clara University through 1980, won championships as a player for the Lakers in 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988.
Rambis is familiar with the Lakers organization, players, and could be an effective addition to the staff, as the former player and coach focused much of his time under Jackson on defense, which has been a weak-link under D'Antoni's coaching style.
Meanwhile, Laker fans are hopeful that the near-signing of Rambis may indicate the potential return of Jackson.
