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Mark Jackson could not maximize a super-team in California. Will he get a second chance at another one?

Jackson is among the reported candidates to have interviewed for the Lakers’ head-coaching vacancy, joining a list that just added former Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts and has included assistants Darvin Ham (Bucks) and Adrian Griffin (Raptors).

Jackson, whom The Athletic linked to the Lakers, is the most intriguing name for reasons beyond his St. John’s stardom and seven seasons leading the Knicks at point guard. Jackson has not coached since being fired by the Warriors after three seasons, each better than the last. He last led Golden State to a 51-31 season in 2013-14, but after losing in the first round — and amid reported clashes with team management — he was let go.

The Warriors then hired Steve Kerr and became dominant, winning a championship the following season and three overall.


  Mark Jackson last coached in the NBA in 2013-14 for the Warriors. AP Mark Jackson last coached in the NBA in 2013-14 for the Warriors. AP

Jackson was hired by ESPN as an analyst and has not coached since. Some feel he should be credited more for aiding the Splash Brothers and taking leaps with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, while others point at the fact the team did not maximize itself until Jackson left.

The Athletic reported last month that LeBron James would be “very enthused” by Jackson becoming his new head coach. Perhaps a second chance with far more established standouts — James, Anthony Davis and perhaps Russell Westbrook, unless the Lakers dump the fading star whom now former coach Frank Vogel struggled with all season — would come with better luck.

If not, Jackson also is among the reported finalists for the Kings’ head coaching vacancy.

The Lakers could go in many directions with their next hire, and former Knicks president Phil Jackson reportedly is advising owner Jeanie Buss.

Stotts, whom ESPN reported interviewed Friday, was a longtime NBA assistant before getting a chance with Portland in 2012. He guided the Blazers to the postseason in eight straight seasons, including a berth in the Western Conference finals in 2019, but never could make the final leap to the championship. He was fired after the 2020-21 season.

Ham and Griffin, both former players, have been assistants for over a decade.

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