The Los Angeles Lakers have made waves in the basketball world with their decision to overhaul their coaching staff, including the dismissal of long-time assistant Phil Handy, who has been a fixture with the team since 2011.

Handy’s departure comes as a surprise to fans and NBA insiders alike, given his reputation as one of the league’s most respected assistant coaches.

Having previously played for the Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers, Handy returned to the Lakers in 2019 for his second stint with the team.

Los Angeles Lakers’ decision will come as a surprise to fans

The Lakers’ decision to part ways with Handy and the entire coaching staff follows a disappointing playoff exit, with the team falling short against the Denver Nuggets in the first round. While change was perhaps inevitable, given the early postseason elimination, the magnitude of the shake-up has left fans reeling.

On social media platforms like x (formerly Twitter), fans have expressed shock and offered varied reactions to the news. Meanwhile, NBA analysts are abuzz with speculation about the potential impact of the coaching staff overhaul and who the Lakers might hire to fill these key positions.

Despite the surprise and uncertainty surrounding the Lakers’ decision, there’s optimism that the changes could lead to improvements for the team in the upcoming season.

As discussions unfold and new hires are announced, the basketball world eagerly awaits to see how the Lakers’ revamped coaching staff will shape the team’s future.