Kenny Atkinson Scouting Report: Is He a Good Choice to Coach the Lakers?

Former Brooklyn Nets coach Kenny Atkinson is reportedly (along with Darvin Ham and Terry Stotts) among the finalists for the Lakers head coaching job. His tenure hit a high point while guiding a young team featuring D'Angelo Russell, Spencer Dinwiddie and Jarrett Allen, but once Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving arrived, Atkinson's job security felt immediately in danger, which raises questions about his ability to coach LeBron James, Anthony Davis and (possibly) Russell Westbrook. Then again, in fairness to Atkinson, his time in Brooklyn was also very specifically weird, meaning it may not be fair to think of him as best suited for a rebuilding squad, rather than one with a directive to be ready for primetime. All these issues (and more!) are presented to Adam Ambrecht, co-host of the Locked On Nets podcast, who covered the man who preceded Steve Nash. Armbrecht shares thoughts on Atkinson's pros and cons, his system, the fit alongside big stars, and whether he got a fair shake. Plus, which franchise would you rather be at this moment, and is Kyrie manufacturing excuses to get out of playing 82 games a year? Hosts: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky Segment 1: Adam Ambrecht breaks down Kenny Atkinson's alternately successful, underwhelming, and just weird time while coaching the Nets. Segment 2: Would Atkinson be able to handle the Lakers' star-laden locker room? Does his personality lend itself well to this? Segment 3: Are the Nets or Lakers in a worse place as a franchise now and moving forward? Plus, Andy asks Adam about his theory that Kyrie Irving doesn't want to play basketball full-time. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! PrizePicks Check out PrizePicks.com and use promo code: “NBA” or go to your app store and download the app today. PrizePicks is daily fantasy made easy! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline BetOnline.net has you covered this season with more props, odds and lines than ever before. BetOnline – Where The Game Starts! Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices