While the Golden State Warriors are focusing on their second-round playoff battle with the Memphis Grizzlies, the head coaching search is heating up around the rest of the NBA.
Names with connections to the Warriors, like assistants Mike Brown, Kenny Atkinson and others, have been buzzing during the interview cycle for teams with openings at head coach.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, former Warriors head coach Mark Jackson has interviewed for the Los Angeles Lakers opening at head coach. Jackson is also considered a finalist for Sacramento Kings head coach opening, per Charania.
Via @ShamsCharania on Twitter:
The Los Angeles Lakers have interviewed former Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson for their head coaching job, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Jackson is among the finalists for the Sacramento Kings head coach opening.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 7, 2022
Starting in 2011, Jackson spent three seasons as the head coach of the Golden State Warriors, leading them to the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. Jackson amounted a 121-109 regular-season record.
After coaching the Warriors to a 51-win season behind breakout star Steph Curry, Jackson’s squad was eliminated from the first round of the playoffs in seven games by the Los Angeles Clippers.
Despite being fired by the Warriors in the 2014 offseason, Jackson is often credited with helping lay the foundation for the Warriors’ run to three championships. Jackson helped coach players like Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green at the start of their careers.
Along with coaching the Warriors, Jackson spent 17 seasons in the NBA as a point guard. Some of Jackson’s career highlights include earning a trip to the All-Star game in 1989, leading the NBA in assists in 1996-97 and winning Rookie of the Year in 1987-88.
Since leaving the Warriors, Jackson has returned to the broadcast booth with ESPN. After reportedly receiving multiple interviews, Jackson could be making his way back to the sideline soon.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
