Juwan Howard to be the Lakers next Head Coach? Fresh odds including Lavar Ball and Phil Jackson

Luke Walton’s tenure as Lakers head coach is expected to end once the 2018-19 season comes to a merciful end in Los Angeles.

Fairly or not, the Lakers did not perform as hoped in LeBron James’ first season and, as such, much of the blame will fall on Walton despite poor roster construction, injuries, and more. While there were a lot of things out of Walton’s control, there is some merit to the criticism of his rotations and coaching decisions, but overall it’s hard not to think he wasn’t exactly given a fair shake.

The constant speculation about who will be the next Lakers coach, with Walton’s firing assumed to be inevitable, has made for some awkwardness in L.A., with top candidates like Ty Lue reaching out to insist no conversations have been had while Walton is still on the bench and Jason Kidd trying to defer similarly but ultimately saying it’s a job he’d have to take if offered.

With as much smoke that’s come out of L.A. regarding a not-so-secret coaching search that will begin soon, oddsmakers have been constantly updating odds on who will be L.A.’s next coach. Walton is currently at 8.00 to still be the coach next season at BetOnline, tied with Lue, but the name at the top of the list is a rather big surprise.

Juwan Howard, the former teammate of James and current Miami Heat assistant coach, is a 4/1 favorite to be at the head of the bench in Los Angeles next year. Tom Thibodeau, Jason Kidd, and Jerry Stackhouse (who is expected to take the Vanderbilt job soon) round out the rest of the favorites. Derek Fisher, David Fizdale, Mark Jackson, Brian Shaw, and Jeff Van Gundy all sit at 13.00

Beyond those candidates, you can bet on more ridiculous options like Phil Jackson (251.00), Charles Barkley (501.00), LeBron James (501.00) and LaVar Ball (1001.00).

Full odds here

Juwan Howard 5.00
Tyronn Lue 8.00
Luke Walton 8.00
Tom Thibodeau 16.00
Jason Kidd 10.00
Jerry Stackhouse 11.00
Derek Fisher 13.00
David Fizdale 13.00
Mark Jackson 13.00
Brian Shaw 13.00
Jeff Van Gundy 13.00
Phil Jackson 251.00
Charles Barkley 501.00
LeBron James 501.00
LaVar Ball 1001.00