Even though JJ Redick is thought to be the overwhelming frontrunner for the position, the Los Angeles Lakers’ list of head coaching candidates continues to increase. The most surprising name is the Detroit Pistons’ head coach, who is still under contract for five more years. Longtime NBA insider Marc Stein believes Monty Williams could emerge as a possibility in an upcoming, albeit unlikely, scenario.
On June 5, Stein noted that there is a “what-if scenario” circulating in coaching circles regarding Monty Williams. “And whether he could still potentially surface as a candidate if the Detroit Pistons were to part ways with Williams after just one season.”
Williams signed the largest coaching contract in NBA history in 2023. Detroit gave him a six-year, $78.5-million contract.
But the Pistons went just 14-68 during his first season at the helm and have undergone a front office change in the aftermath.
How fast Trajan Langdon, new President of Basketball Operations, conducts business will determine Williams’ eligibility for the Lakers’ job. If he shares a mutual interest.
“Williams’ status with the Pistons remains uncertain,” Stein continued. “And is currently being evaluated by Detroit’s new president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon … even though Williams has five seasons left on a contract worth nearly $80 million.”
One season with any roster is rarely enough of a sample size to judge any coach.
If Detroit parts ways with Williams, Los Angeles won’t be the only team to come calling.
Williams Has Seen Success in NBA
For as bad as the Pistons are, Williams cannot be held solely responsible. As head coach of the Phoenix Suns, he oversaw incredible success. Williams led the team to a 194-115 record, including a trip to the 2021 NBA Finals.
Perhaps a young team isn’t the right fit for the coach. Detroit boasts a talented roster, yes, but no starter over the age of 22.
Los Angeles may be chalking his current failures up to just that. Williams received rave reviews from most members of his Suns teams when he was fired after a 45-37 season.
His candidacy for the job is a long shot. But the lead-candidate for the job is without any coaching experience at all. So little about the Lakers’ process is orthodox.
