NBA: Los Angeles Lakers Sack Head Coach Frank Vogel

The Los Angeles Lakers have sacked head coach Frank Vogel on Monday after three NBA seasons following the team’s failure to qualify for the playoffs.

The move was expected since the Lakers’ bid to reach the postseason ended last week.

“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Frank both on and off the court,” Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said in the press release. “Frank is a great coach and a good man.”

“We will forever be grateful to him for his work in guiding us to the 2019-20 NBA championship. This is an incredibly difficult decision to make, but one we feel is necessary at this point. All of us here wish Frank and his wonderful family all the best for the future.”

The Lakers also thanked Vogel in a Twitter post.

Thank you, Coach. pic.twitter.com/8eb4Ia9ZqI

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 11, 2022

Vogel finished 127-98 in three seasons and led the Lakers to their 17th NBA championship during the 2019-20 season.

“I respect Frank as a coach and as a man. He’s a man who gives everything to the game,” Lakers star LeBron James said earlier on Monday.

“At the end of the day I don’t know what’s going to happen with Frank and him being here, but I have nothing but respect for him,” James added.

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Overall, Vogel is 431-389 in 11 seasons as head coach of the Indiana Pacers (2010-16), Orlando Magic (2016-18) and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse is among the Lakers’ top targets to replace Vogel.

Chidi Nwoke/Reuters.