The Los Angeles Lakers may be in win-now mode, but they’re also in position to develop young players with an eye on the future.
They have become considerably younger over the last several months. They jettisoned multiple players in their 30s in trades that have netted them Rui Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, Malik Beasley and Mo Bamba, all of whom are 27 or younger.
This is where Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy comes in very, well, handy. Hachimura credited Handy with helping him feel comfortable with the Lakers and refine certain aspects of his game.
When former Lakers head coach Frank Vogel was hired by the Phoenix Suns recently, there was speculation Handy might join him. But Handy revealed he is actually under contract with L.A. for two more seasons, and he is staying with the Purple and Gold (h/t Lakers Nation).
.@naveenganglani asked if Handy is considering joining Frank Vogel’s staff in Phoenix.
Handy: “Don’t believe everything you read. I’m under contract with the Lakers for the next two seasons. When Darvin came on, I signed a three-year extension. So I’m in Laker land baby.” pic.twitter.com/I6WE578gdI
— Nicole Ganglani (@nicoleganglani) June 19, 2023
Handy is considered perhaps the best player development coach in the NBA. As such, he is considered a very important part of Darvin Ham’s staff.