Lakers Hire Phil Handy as Assistant Coach
By Scott Rogust
Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel has added a strong presence to his coaching staff.
According to Marc J. Spears of ESPN, the Lakers have hired former Toronto Raptors assistant coach Phil Handy to the same position.
The Lakers are hiring Phil Handy as an assistant coach, a source said. The former Raptors assistant will be at the front of the bench with the Lakers. He also coached in five straight NBA Finals winning two titles.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) July 14, 2019
Handy has coached in the past five NBA Finals, four with the Cleveland Cavaliers (2015-18) and one with the Raptors (2019). In that consecutive Finals streak, Handy won the Larry O'Brien Trophy twice (2016, 2019).
Prior to his runs with the Cavaliers and Raptors, Handy served as a player developmental coach with the Lakers from 2011-13, so this will be a return to LA for the assistant.
The Lakers are hiring former Raptors assistant Phil Handy as an assistant coach, per @MarcJSpearsESPN. pic.twitter.com/ogTgFpWBIB
— Yahoo Sports NBA (@YahooSportsNBA) July 14, 2019
Over the years, Handy has built relationships with the likes of Kobe Bryant, Kyrie Irving, and current Lakers star LeBron James. To add to his strong reputation, Handy held a workout last summer, which included James, Kevin Durant, and Kawhi Leonard.
Now, Handy joins a coaching staff including Jason Kidd, Lionel Hollins, and Miles Simon on a Lakers team that is hellbent on winning an NBA Championship next season.