Juwan Howard betting favorite for Lakers HC job

The Erik Spoelstra coaching tree might extend across the country next year. Online sports book BetOnline.AG has made current Miami Heat assistant Juwan Howard their favorite to be the Game 1 coach for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019-20.

From @betonline_ag pic.twitter.com/MECbxCrjPJ

— Zach Harper (@talkhoops) April 2, 2019

It would be a fascinating move for all involved. For Juwan Howard, a first head coaching job in what is going to be an extremely high pressure situation. Coaching LeBron James with a roster in flux after not making the playoffs is one hell of a circumstance to walk in to.

For the Heat, another Spoelstra assistant getting the promotion but to go transport Heat principles out west and be LeBron’s aid in building it? An interesting dynamic no doubt.

And for the Lakers, it would mean a coaching change and an expectation that a new coach, especially one with Howard’s pedigree and experience, could’ve made the difference. They need to show they’re well run, maintain organizational stability, and perhaps most importantly, demonstrate they’re willing to back a coach in a power struggle with LeBron, much the way the Heat did with Spoelstra.