Lakers reportedly finalizing deal to hire David Fizdale as assistant coach

Wojnarowski adds that Fizdale had been pursued for several lead assistant openings this offseason.

Fizdale last served as a head coach during the 2018-19 season. During his tenure with the Grizzlies and Knicks, he went 71-134 and 2-4 in the playoffs.

The 47-year-old was likely a top target for L.A. this offseason because of his experience working with LeBron James as an assistant for the Miami Heat from 2008-2016.

Fizdale recently said in an interview with The Undefeated earlier this month that he was at his lowest point after being fired by the Knicks in December 2019. 

"I really was at the lowest place I've ever been from a mental health standpoint," Fizdale said. "I thought the lowest point was during the losses. But it was after, when you go through the whole part of, 'What could I have done different? Did I even deserve this job?' You think like you were an imposter. You felt like you got over on these people. You're a fraud."

He also expressed regret for how he handled his relationships with players. In New York, he says he probably was "too nice" to the players. It was a different story in Memphis, as Fizdale said he believes his coaching style was ego-filled and tough. 

Now that he's back in the NBA as an assistant with the Lakers, he said he'll be searching for that perfect balance.

"I'm just going to keep leaning into the idea of being a human first and being a coach second and see where that takes me," Fizdale said.