The NBA offseason continues to churn out surprises, and one of the latest headlines shaking up the coaching carousel involves a familiar face in Los Angeles making a fresh start in the desert. A former head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers is officially heading to Phoenix to join the Suns as an assistant coach, signaling a new chapter in his storied basketball journey and injecting valuable experience into a Suns team desperate to find the right mix for a championship run.
The move represents more than just a coaching hire — it’s a signal of intent from the Suns’ front office, which has remained aggressive since assembling their high-priced core of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. The team’s early playoff exit this past season forced the organization to take a hard look in the mirror. Bringing in a battle-tested coach, especially one with championship ties and high-pressure experience, is part of a larger strategy to instill accountability, structure, and a winning culture from top to bottom.
The coach in question, a name well-known to Lakers fans, has long been respected for his basketball IQ, leadership, and ability to manage superstar personalities. While his time as the Lakers’ head coach had its ups and downs, he remained a steady voice through turbulent seasons, navigating roster injuries, inconsistent front office support, and the outsized expectations that come with coaching one of the NBA’s most scrutinized franchises. Though he didn’t bring home a title as a head coach in L.A., his contributions to the team’s development, as well as his previous experience as a player and assistant, earned him the respect of peers across the league.
Now, he gets the opportunity to return to the sidelines in a different role — one that many believe might suit his strengths even more effectively. As an assistant in Phoenix, he’ll focus more on strategy, player development, and helping to craft game plans that accentuate the team’s unique blend of offensive firepower. The Suns, under head coach Mike Budenholzer, are assembling a staff that blends innovation with experience, and the former Lakers coach fits that mold perfectly.
For the Suns, this hire is also about addressing a glaring need. Despite boasting one of the league’s most talented rosters on paper, Phoenix fell short of expectations in back-to-back postseasons. Chemistry, effort, and a clear identity were missing, especially on the defensive end. By adding a coach with proven leadership skills and a deep understanding of both ends of the court, the Suns are hoping to close the gap between contender and champion. This coach has a track record of improving defenses and helping stars buy into team concepts — something Phoenix desperately needs heading into the next season.
From the coach’s perspective, this new role could be a springboard back into the head coaching ranks in the future. In the ever-volatile landscape of the NBA, reputation matters. And after a period of reflection and recalibration following his time in Los Angeles, rejoining a playoff-caliber team in a high-profile assistant role is a savvy career move. He’ll have a front-row seat to one of the league’s most intriguing projects and will be able to work with a new set of stars while showcasing his ability to adapt, evolve, and contribute meaningfully to a team’s success.
His arrival is also being well-received by players within the Suns locker room. Known for his calm demeanor, clear communication, and no-nonsense approach, he’s expected to be a stabilizing force during tense moments and a sounding board for veterans navigating the relentless grind of an NBA season. That player-coach trust is crucial for any team with championship aspirations, and the Suns are betting that this addition will help bridge any remaining gaps in their locker room dynamics.
League insiders note that this isn’t the first time the coach has been on the radar for assistant roles since his Lakers departure. Multiple teams reportedly expressed interest in adding him to their staffs, but the Suns offered the ideal combination of roster talent, organizational support, and coaching autonomy. Working under Budenholzer — a championship-winning coach himself — will allow for a strong collaboration between two basketball minds who value structure, preparation, and accountability.
This hire also sends a subtle message across the Western Conference: the Suns are not content to run it back without changes. They understand that simply having three offensive stars isn’t enough. Team-building at the highest level requires attention to detail, strategic flexibility, and strong leadership at every layer of the organization. With Denver, Dallas, and Minnesota all proving their mettle in recent playoffs, Phoenix needs every edge it can get. Adding someone with this much experience and basketball savvy is a step in the right direction.
The Suns’ front office, led by GM James Jones, has made it clear that they will continue to invest in coaching, player development, and analytics to stay competitive. They’ve watched other contenders evolve and improve while facing tough questions about their own ceiling. With Durant not getting any younger and Beal needing a bounce-back year, the pressure to win now is immense. Bringing in an accomplished coach with L.A. credentials is not just about Xs and Os — it’s a signal that Phoenix is doubling down on professionalism, preparation, and accountability.
Fans in Phoenix should be encouraged by this move. While assistant coaching hires rarely make headlines, this one feels different. It’s a blend of pedigree and purpose. The coach brings a championship mindset, deep playoff experience, and a proven ability to connect with today’s stars. He’s coached through the media circus of Los Angeles, guided teams through locker room drama, and emerged with his reputation intact — no small feat in today’s NBA.
His previous work with big men and defensive units could also play a crucial role in helping Phoenix unlock more from their supporting cast. Players like Jusuf Nurkić, Bol Bol, and Drew Eubanks will benefit from the added structure and defensive discipline he brings. And don’t be surprised if he plays a key role in mentoring younger players, helping the Suns’ next generation of talent grow into reliable contributors.
Around the league, reactions to the hire have been largely positive. Several current and former players who worked with the coach in L.A. took to social media to congratulate him, praising his professionalism and insight. One former player called him “the ultimate players’ coach,” while another said, “Phoenix got a real one.” That kind of respect speaks volumes and bodes well for his impact on a Suns roster that has sometimes struggled to coalesce under pressure.
As for Lakers fans, this move brings mixed emotions. There’s always a tinge of bittersweetness when a familiar face joins a rival, especially one within the Western Conference. But there’s also a sense of pride — knowing that their former coach is still seen as a valuable voice in the league, and that his basketball journey is far from over.
In the high-stakes world of NBA coaching, longevity is often the result of resilience, adaptability, and relentless passion for the game. This coach has all three. And now, he gets to apply those traits in a new setting — one filled with expectations, talent, and the ever-present urgency to win now.
As the Suns gear up for what promises to be another pressure-packed season, they’ve added a key piece off the court. A coach who understands what it takes to lead, who’s seen the best and worst of NBA stardom, and who now returns to the sidelines with a renewed sense of purpose. In a league where every advantage matters, this could be one of the smartest under-the-radar moves of the summer. And if the Suns make the leap fans are hoping for, don’t be surprised if this former Lakers coach has a lot to do with it.
