The Los Angeles Lakers appear to be all-in on trying to bring in Philadelphia 76ers assistant Monty Williams to be their next head coach. So much so that the most powerful people in the organization are making the trip to see him for a second interview, as well as some new faces in the Buss family.
Bill Oram of The Athletic reported on Thursday that Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka met with Williams on Thursday, as well as Lakers power broker Linda Rambis and her husband, Lakers executive Kurt Rambis. In addition to the Rambis clan, Jeanie’s younger brothers Jesse and Joey, who have both held positions in the Basketball Operations department, were also along for the meeting as well as COO Tim Harris.
Bill Plaschke of the L.A. Times reported yesterday that Williams is seen as the leading candidate for the job. That the Lakers decided not to just send Pelinka and Buss but seemingly every person with power in the organization certainly adds more evidence to that report.
Also, while Joey and Jesse Buss are well-regarded for their hard work, it’s clear that Jeanie’s strategy after Magic Johnson’s departure involves consolidating power within the Buss family, as well as the Rambis family, even more.
The palace intrigue about who is pulling the strings for the Lakers will continue to produce, but right now the only question that matters is will Williams decide to sign up to be a part of it?
