Celtics assistant named candidate for Lakers HC job

If Cassell were to get the job, he would be the second Celtics assistant to land a head coaching gig. Charles Lee will be the Charlotte Hornets head coach for the 2024-25 NBA season. This would also be Cassell's first-ever NBA head coaching job.

Cassell has been an NBA assistant coach since the 2009-10 season, but this season was his first in Boston.

"The Lakers are expected to have an initial round of coaching interviews with candidates the franchise has not previously vetted, allowing team officials to get to know those individuals on a human level before progressing to the next phase," league sources told Charania.

"The Lakers are seeking a coach who will command the locker room and hold players accountable, as well as tirelessly gameplan and provide a level of structure and organization," Charania also reported.

The NBA insider also indicated that Cassell is "well-respected by players and has a strong reputation with player development."

If Cassell is hired by the Lakers, he must command the respect of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. While not an easy task, the fact that Cassell is a veteran of the NBA will do a lot to ingratiate him to the two stars.

So the Celtics bench could look much different next season if Boston loses two assistant coaches. If Cassell is brought on, it would be a major step up for the assistant, and he would face a lot of pressure immediately. Still, it would be extremely difficult for a prospective coach to pass up a job in L.A. 

But considering the traits the Lakers want in a head coach, Cassell seems like a great fit.