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Los Angeles Lakers Rumors: NBA Analyst Floats LA Coach as Potential Mike Budenholzer Target

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Rex Villas | Last updated 5/12/24

DeMarre Carroll, remember him? Currently an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, Carroll is someone who has continued to be around and in the NBA after his playing days are over. Carroll is also a figure who could be on the move soon. With his former boss, Mike Budenholzer, now set to coach the Phoenix Suns beginning in the 2024-25 NBA season, Carroll is a name to watch out for, if you ask Shane Young of Forbes Sports.

“For Mike Budenholzer’s staff, one name I’d keep an eye out for is DeMarre Carroll. Depending on whether the Lakers’ next coach wants to retain him, I think he’d be someone Budenholzer would like to add. Carroll had a role in player development for the 2022-23 Bucks.”

Los Angeles Lakers Assistant to Move to Phoenix Soon?

Of course, Young is merely speculating, but Carroll’s connection with Budenholzer is noteworthy. Not only did he work as part of Budenholzer’s coaching staff with the Milwaukee Bucks back in the 2022-23 NBA season, but Carroll also played for Bud during his time with the Atlanta Hawks.

Carroll spent two seasons with the Hawks from 2013 to 2015 and averaged 11.8 points with 5.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.4 steals through 143 games in Atlanta threads. While not a star player, he was a solid role player for the Hawks and even finished tied for 15th in the 2014-15 Defensive Player of the Year voting.

Carroll’s familiarity could make things easier for Budenholzer in establishing a culture in Phoenix. For now, though, Carroll is still with the Lakers, awaiting his fate with the team as LA continues its head coaching search.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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