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Lakers Rumors: J.B. Bickerstaff, Brian Shaw reportedly could join coaching staff

By Keith Rivas

Apr 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets head coach J.B. Bickerstaff against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets head coach J.B. Bickerstaff against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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J.B. Bickerstaff

Dec 26, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Houston Rockets interim head coach J.B. Bickerstaff gestures from the sidelines against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Houston Rockets interim head coach J.B. Bickerstaff gestures from the sidelines against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

J.B. Bickerstaff had a very rough year with the Houston Rockets this past season. Taking over as an interim head coach isn’t exactly a situation desired by anybody, but in Bickerstaff’s case he decided to bite the bullet and try his best to help Houston after Kevin McHale was fired shortly after the season began.

Now that the nightmare with the Rockets can be put behind him, an opportunity with the Lakers might be too good to pass up for Bickerstaff.

He withdrew his name from the Rockets’ continued search for a new man at the helm, and according to Lakers Nation, would fit perfectly under Luke Walton with the desire to return somewhere strictly as an assistant.

During his time with the Rockets, Bickerstaff did all he could, getting them barely back to .500 with a 41-41 finish and a personal record of 37-34 following the 4-11 start that got McHale sent out of town.

That’s not the most impressive record for a coach, but considering the fact that he guided Houston to a spot in the playoffs — even if it was as the eighth seed — shows that he was still able to produce under pressure.

The Lakers need that kind of coaching — especially with their younger players.

With a less pressing role open in Los Angeles, Bickerstaff has to remain a strong candidate if the Lakers want to be able to compete as soon as next season.

And although not shown direct interest from Luke Walton as Brian Shaw has been shown, Bickerstaff has what it takes for the position of assistant in Los Angeles.

Next: Brian Shaw

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