Juwan Howard was the preferred candidate of the Los Angeles Lakers during this coaching cycle, sources tell Marc Stein of Substack.
The Lakers "made such strong overtures to Howard that the implication was clear: The job was his if he wanted it," writes Stein. The Lakers had Howard ahead of Doc Rivers and Quin Snyder on their wish list.
Howard has connections to the Lakers via his collegiate teammate Rob Pelinka, and through LeBron James. James and Howard were teammates with the Miami Heat.
Howard decided to remain at Michigan where he will soon coach his sons.
The Lakers eventually decided to hire Darvin Ham as head coach.
