After failing to qualify for the playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers dismissed head coach Frank Vogel on Monday. The Lakers, who ended the regular season in 11th place with a 33-49 win/loss record, were eliminated from play-in tournament contention after their defeat to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday.
“I have enormous respect for Frank on and off the court,” said Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager.
“Frank is a fantastic instructor and a wonderful human being.” We shall be eternally thankful to him for his efforts in leading us to the NBA title in 2019-20. This is a tough choice to make, but we believe it is necessary at this time.”
Vogel, 48, guided the Lakers to the NBA title in 2020 after signing a three-year contract in 2019 and receiving a one-year extension through 2022-23 this offseason.
Vogel, who signed a three-year contract with the Lakers in 2019, helped the club win the 2020 NBA championship in Orlando, Florida. He was awarded a contract extension to the end of 2020-2021 after his squad established itself as one of the greatest defensive teams in his first two seasons in command.
However, after finishing first in 2020-21 and third, in 2019-20, they completed the season in the bottom ten in both offensive and defensive efficiency, placing 21st in defensive rating.
The Lakers’ failure to make the playoffs was extremely disheartening. They were defeated 121-110 by the Phoenix Suns, their sixth consecutive setback.
