Increasingly Popular Coach on Lakers’ Radar

Nori is an increasingly popular coach that many became interested in when he took over for an injured Chris Finch in their Game 4 matchup against the Phoenix Suns. Asked by a sideline reporter what it’s like being coached by Nori after they defeated the Suns, All-Star wing Anthony Edwards says, “he’s an extended version of coach… We listen to Micah just how we listen to (Finch), man. It’s a respect thing. He did a great job tonight.”

In case anyone believes Edwards was just being polite, when he scored a career-high 51 points in April, he dedicated the performance to Nori.

That’s not enough reason to make anyone a head coach. Still, when one of the faces of the league has that much affinity towards an assistant coach, it’s worth noting. Especially a player like Edwards, who is as competitive as he is candid.

Coaching Background

Nori is one of the most experienced assistant coaches in the NBA, getting his start in 2009 with the Toronto Raptors. After spending four seasons north of the border, he’s coached for the Sacramento Kings, Denver Nuggets, and Detroit Pistons. In that time, Nori has primarily coached under Dwane Casey and Michael Malone, spending five seasons with both. He’s coached under Finch since 2021-22.

Frankly, the Timberwolves are the best team that Nori has coached for. The Raptors, Kings, and Pistons were often in the NBA’s basement, unable to muster even 30 wins. Indeed, the most successful season any of those teams had was when the Pistons managed to go 41-41 in 2018-19. However, those experiences may have taught Nori what not do, which is almost as important as knowing what to do.

On the other side of the spectrum are the Nuggets and Timberwolves. Though not quite wildly successful while Nori was assistant coach, Denver was demonstrating steady improvement. Minnesota has been in the playoffs every year since Nori signed on, with this year’s run their best yet. After finishing the regular season with a 56-26 record, third in the West, the Timberwolves swept Kevin Durant’s sons. They’re now tied up 2-2 with the defending champs in the Western Conference Semifinals. That said, Malone and Finch have taught Nori how to build a perennial playoff contender.

The Last Word on Micah Nori

With 17 NBA championships, the Lakers have high expectations. A postseason berth is expected more than it’s celebrated. Nonetheless, of the available head coach candidates, only Terry Stotts and Mark Jackson have proven they can consistently lead a team to the playoffs. Nori’s résumé doesn’t measure up to theirs but he’s highly experienced and players have gravitated towards him.

In a league where many of the best coaches weren’t expected to be as good as they are, Nori may be a sneaky good hire for the Lakers.