Lakers new coach calls for 'togetherness' to rejuvenate team

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The Los Angeles Lakers have officially introduced their new head coach Frank Vogel on Monday, with Vogel saying that forging a sense of "togetherness" would be crucial as he attempts to halt six years of failure at the franchise.

Vogel, who was chosen to replace the fired Luke Walton, arrives at the Lakers with the club reeling from the shock departure of executive Magic Johnson last month.

Johnson on Monday blamed a culture of "backstabbing" for his departure in comments made just before Vogel's unveiling.

Vogel, 45, said he planned to unify the franchise, from the front office through to the coaching and playing staff in his first public comments.

"I don't just mean with the 17 guys that are going to be in uniform. I'm talking about organizational togetherness,” the former Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic coach said.

He added “starting with ownership to the front office to the coaching staff, to the players to the trainers, the business side.”

LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots around during a press conference to introduce Frank Vogel as the new head coach in El Segundo, California, May 20, 2019. /VCG Photo

The team has missed the playoffs for six straight seasons but are desperate to challenge for top honors once more after signing LeBron James last year.

"The focus for our group has got to be to remain in the moment," Vogel said. "There's obviously been a lot of outside noise that we're going to be tasked with blocking out.

Source(s): AFP