And when JB Bickerstaff, the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, was dismissed on Thursday morning, that’s exactly what happened. LeBron James and company are a fantastic fit for the 45-year-old coach.
Since taking over during the 2019–20 season, Bickerstaff has continuously enhanced the Cavaliers squad. With his leadership, the Cavaliers achieved their best postseason result since LeBron James left in 2018. Especially on defence, Cleveland has outplayed its opponent under Bickerstaff’s tenure. Even though the Cavs started two defensive liabilities in Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland the previous two seasons, they still had one of the greatest defences in the NBA.
It is possible to duplicate that kind of success in Los Angeles. The Lakers are a defensive-minded squad, and Bickerstaff is a coach who prioritises defence. The Lakers will always be more of a defensive club than an attacking one with Anthony Davis at the centre of the defence. Additionally, the Lakers’ perimeter defenders are subpar, but Bickerstaff has proven he can overcome this to create top defences.
Furthermore, there exists an additional degree of affinity between Bickerstaff and LeBron James. Bernie Bickerstaff, JB’s father, was in the Cavs front office the year LeBron took home the championship. Bickerstaff might be a more desirable option for Los Angeles’ head coaching job as a result.
