LOS ANGELES — Sinibak ng Los Angeles Lakers si head coach Frank Vogel nitong Lunes, at sinabing kailangan ang pagbabago sa liderato matapos ang nakagugulantang na pagkabigo ng koponan na makausad sa playoffs.
Sa isang statement ay kinumpirma ni Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka ang pagsibak kay Vogel, isang araw makaraang matapos ang miserableng kampanya ng koponan.
“This is an incredibly difficult decision to make, but one we feel is necessary at this point,” sabi ni Pelinka.
Lumakas ang ispekulasyon sa pagsibak kay Vogel matapos ang final regular season game ng Lakers noong Linggo, kung saan iniulat ng ESPN na ang coach — iginiya ang franchise sa ika-17 NBA championship noong 2020 – ay sisipain na sa koponan.
Sa pakikipag-usap sa mga reporter, sinabi ni Pelinka na ang season ng Lakers ay “disappointing at every level.”
“When you have disappointment you need to take ownership of that and make adjustments to be better,” ani Pelinka.
“Today’s not going to be a day of finger-pointing or unwinding all the specific reasons, we just felt organizationally, that it was time for a new voice.”
Bago kumpirmahin ang pagsibak kay Vogel ay sinabi ni Lakers superstar LeBron James na nirerespeto niya ang coach.
“I respect Frank as a coach, as a man,” pahayag ni James.
“The partnership that we’ve had over the past few years has been nothing but just candid, great conversations.
“He’s a guy who gives everything to the game. Prepared us every single night with his coaching staff.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I’ve got nothing but respect for him.”
