WASHINGTON, May 13 (Xinhua) -- The Los Angeles Lakers will be headed by coach Frank Vogel in the new season, the organization announced on its official website on Monday.
"We are excited to add Frank Vogel as the next head coach of the Lakers," General Manager Rob Pelinka said in a press release. "Coach Vogel has a proven track record of success in the NBA Playoffs, and he reflects the core qualities we were looking for in a head coach - including, detailed game preparation, extreme hard work, and holding players accountable to the highest basketball standards."
Vogel guided the Indiana Pacers to five playoff appearances and two Eastern Conference finals in his six-year spell from 2010 to 2016 before he coached the Orlando Magic in the following two seasons. The 45-year-old has a career record of 304-291 (.511).
"I am very excited for this opportunity to join the Lakers, a prestigious organization that I have long admired," Vogel said. "I look forward to coaching such phenomenal talent and bringing my strategic vision to the team."
The Lakers finished 10th in the Western Conference last season, missing the NBA playoffs for six consecutive seasons. The move for new coach comes after Luke Walton parted ways with Lakers last month after another disappointing season.
According to media reports, former 10-time All-Star guard and Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd will be his assistant coach.
