The Los Angeles Lakers received permission to interview Golden State Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson for their vacant head coaching position, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
The Warriors currently lead the Memphis Grizzlies 3-1 in the Western Conference semifinals.
Atkinson also reportedly interviewed for the Charlotte Hornets' top job. He previously spent parts of four seasons as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, amassing a 118-190 (.383) record from 2016-20.
Though the Lakers captured the 2020 NBA title under Frank Vogel, the team dismissed the veteran coach following the conclusion of a 33-49 campaign in which they failed to even qualify for the play-in round.
Los Angeles also reportedly sought permission to interview Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach Darvin Ham for its head coach role. Former five-time title-winning Lakers coach Phil Jackson is apparently advising the team in its search for Vogel's successor.
Steve Kerr's Warriors staff already produced one head coaching hire in recent days, with the Sacramento Kings tabbing assistant coach Mike Brown for their top sideline job.
