Lionel Hollins Joins Lakers, Ends Possibility of Reunion with Memphis Grizzlies

Lionel Hollins was interested in a return to the Memphis Grizzlies, but since they did not knock on his door, he bolted to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Memphis Grizzlies have gone two months without a head coach, and the clock continues to tick. The longer they wait, worthy candidates left and right are flying off of the market while taking other positions. Another one — Lionel Hollins — is off the market as of Tuesday evening.

ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski had the initial report of Lionel Hollins’ latest move. He will be joining the Los Angeles Lakers’ newly-assembled coaching staff, led by Frank Vogel, which also includes Jason Kidd.

The Lakers are building an insane slate of mentors and coaches after missing the postseason in 2018-19. Thus far, Vogel, Kidd, and Hollins are three legitimate head coaching talents, now all patrolling the same sideline.

Lionel Hollins has not coached since the 2015-16 season, when he was relieved of his head coach title halfway through the Brooklyn Nets’ schedule. Still, he has had some impressive runs over the course of his seven seasons in the NBA head coach role, plus even more as an NBA assistant coach, with perhaps his best days coming at the helm of the Memphis Grizzlies roster.

Aside from shooting a commercial or two and dabbling in politics, Lionel Hollins is looking to get back into the swing of coaching. Recently, he expressed interest in joining the Grizzlies once again, but it appears Memphis did not interview him for the job. It is important to note that Hollins has resided in Memphis, Tennessee even after ties were severed with the Grizzlies in 2013 after leading the franchise to their first Western Conference Finals appearance.

Some people would hold animosity toward the Memphis Grizzlies organization if they were treated in the manner as Lionel Hollins was after four consecutive seasons of 40+ wins. However, Hollins has remained professional, and even expressed his interest in a return to the Grizzlies amid their ongoing head coach search in 2019.

Bringing Lionel Hollins back for a reunion of sorts would have actually made plenty of sense if you are the Memphis Grizzlies’ Front Office. The team continues to pride themselves on defense. The culture remains the same. Memphis will continue the “Grit-‘N’-Grind” mantra, even as they look to rebuild the roster and depend largely on their player development tactics.

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A defensive specialist such as Hollins could still work for the Grizzlies’ game plan, plus the fan base would surely enjoy it, too. Above all else, he brings a lot more experience — and results — to the table, which the currrent seven candidates cannot say of themselves. It will not be easy for Memphis’ next head coach to surpass all the accomplishments Hollins notched for the franchise over the years.

This yet another veteran coach the Memphis Grizzlies have missed out on this offseason. The list continues to grow, and it looks more and more likely that they will take a risk on a first-time head coach. This could result in a high reward, but odds will definitely be against them, as this particular tactic has not been favorable for Memphis in recent seasons.

It undoubtedly is great to see a Memphis Grizzlies franchise legend in Lionel Hollins return to NBA employment, but if would have been even better to see him suit up to lead the Grizzlies’ roster. He has — or had — unfinished business in Memphis.