Nick Nurse Delivers Strong Message on Lakers Rumors

Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse was among the first to be linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, but he shut down these rumors right away. Many believes that he was a strong candidate for the head coaching job, but Nurse didn’t waste any time and brought this speculation to an end.

The Raptors won’t give up on someone who helped them win a title in 2019. Yes, Frank Vogel led the Lakers to a title, but the last couple of seasons were a disaster. Nurse is happy with his current role in Toronto and he doesn’t even think of going anywhere. What made people think of his potential departure?

Nick Nurse shuts down Lakers rumors

Nurse is a Klutch Sports client. The same goes to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Lakers need a strong head coaching figure and Nurse would be the best candidate. Well, he won’t leave the Raptors in the near future and has a nice contract with the team. Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss wouldn’t think twice and get Nurse when available. However, it won’t happen now.

“I think it’s always nice that people are thinking you can do those jobs,” Nurse told Colin Cowherd. “I saw the stuff about the Lakers … people think that you can go there and make a difference. This is a special place. Toronto is amazing, our fans are amazing… I love working here. I don’t see me going anywhere.”

.@Raptors head coach Nick Nurses addresses Lakers rumors:

"This is a special place. Toronto is amazing, our fans are amazing… I love working here. I don't see me going anywhere." pic.twitter.com/tW8tvMtDbw

— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) May 25, 2022

Truth is, Nurse wasn’t really an option for LA mostly because of his strong connection with the Raptors. Doc Rivers is under contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, but he is a more realistic possibility for the Lakers. The Sixers are coming off of a bad season and Rivers may do better in another team. LA maybe?

Marc Stein reported that the Lakers still hope to land their hands on Rivers.

“Suspicions persist in league coaching circles that the Lakers have not completely abandoned hope that Philadelphia’s Doc Rivers becomes unexpectedly available — despite the recent insistence from Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey that Rivers will be back in Philly next season,” Stein wrote.

LeBron James would gladly pick Rivers over any other head coaching candidate.