The Los Angeles Lakers have a distinct and troubling history of missing out on their top coaching targets, showcasing a distinctive pattern of underwhelming offers and missed opportunities. Despite their substantial financial advantage over teams like the Detroit Pistons, the Lakers have struggled to make compelling offers to desired coaches, a trend that raises eyebrows about their approach to coaching hires.

For instance, when the Pistons secured Monty Williams with a lucrative six-year, $78.5 million deal, it reset the coaching market, with other top coaches subsequently cashing in on significant contracts. However, when the Lakers pursued Dan Hurley, their offer of $70 million over six years fell significantly short of expectations, especially considering their vast financial resources.

This pattern is not novel for the Lakers. In previous coaching pursuits, such as their attempt to hire Ty Lue in 2019, they presented underwhelming contracts that failed to entice top talent. Lue, who boasted championship experience and a strong connection to the Lakers, felt undervalued by their offer of just $18 million over three years. This apparent reluctance to invest in coaching has persisted under the leadership of Jeanie Buss, resulting in a revolving door of coaches since Phil Jackson’s retirement in 2011.

Even when the Lakers had a championship-winning coach in Frank Vogel, they only offered him a three-year contract, which he accepted after Lue declined. Despite Vogel’s remarkable success, including winning a championship in his first season and leading the team to a No. 1 defensive ranking, the Lakers only extended his contract by one year after a disappointing playoff run.

The Lakers’ hesitancy to invest in coaching contrasts starkly with their willingness to spend on star players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. While they have been willing to pay the luxury tax to maintain a competitive roster, they have not made similar investments in coaching personnel.

The recent failure to secure Hurley highlights the Lakers’ disconnect with the current coaching market and raises significant questions about their commitment to building a sustainable winning culture. If they continue to undervalue coaching hires, it could hinder their ability to attract top coaching talent and create long-term success.