Veteran coach Lionel Hollins is slated to meet with both the L.A. Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers about their respective coaching openings over the next several days, according to USA Today Sports.
The 60-year-old Hollins previously coached five seasons in Memphis before being unceremoniously dumped by the Grizzlies following the 2012-13 season when the team won 56 games. Overall, Hollins won nearly 200 regular season games during his tenure in Memphis and another 18 in the playoffs.
Lionel Hollins fights to change culture in Memphis
In the wake of the near complete overhaul of the entire Grizzlies' front office over the last week, USA Today reports Hollins' stock appears on the rise in league circles as new Memphis owner Robert Pera is being branded by some as someone that seems difficult to work with.
Hollins joins Mike Dunleavy Sr. and former Lakers star guard Byron Scott as the third coach known to have interviewed with the Lakers in hopes of becoming Kobe Bryant's next coach. The team has also expressed an interest in speaking with Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau should the organization grant the team permission to speak with the still-under-contract former Coach of the Year.
Lionel Hollins, Memphis Grizzlies to part ways?
In Cleveland, Hollins is among a pool of candidates that also includes Vinny Del Negro, George Karl and Tyronn Lue.
Hollins also played 10 NBA seasons, averaging 12 points, five assists and two steals. As the team's starting point guard, he was also critical to the Portland Trail Blazers 1977 title run , starring under legendary coach Jack Ramsey and alongside Hall of Fame center Bill Walton.
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