FROM THE OUTSIDE, Vogel looked like a …

FROM THE OUTSIDE, Vogel looked like a coach set up for failure. The Lakers had first pursued Monty Williams and Tyronn Lue, but both backed out. They then turned to Vogel, a candidate they figured likely wouldn’t object to their terms. After Vogel’s Orlando exit in 2018, there was no certainty he would ever get another chance to lead an NBA team, and a LeBron-led squad is a plum position, irrespective of the franchise’s recent self-inflicted wounds. Yet Vogel was well-respected for his preparation skills, regarded as inordinately affable and — possibly most important — a pliable listener who would collaborate with all the Lakers’ stakeholders on decisions big and small.