Lakers reportedly searching for new head trainer after injury-riddled season

The Los Angeles Lakers are searching for a new head athletic trainer following an injury-riddled 2020-21 season, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

Nina Hsieh, who was promoted to head trainer two years ago, did not have her contract renewed. She worked for the Lakers for more than a decade, beginning as the head athletic trainer in charge of the health and wellness program for the Lakers' G League affiliate. 

Hsieh was the first woman to be the head athletic trainer on a championship team in American major professional sports history when the Lakers won the title last season. 

L.A.'s bid to repeat as champions fell short due to several injuries to key players. Anthony Davis dealt with a groin injury, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope suffered a left knee injury, and Alex Caruso suffered an ankle injury during the team's first-round series against the Phoenix Suns. LeBron James also wasn't 100% after suffering an ankle sprain during the regular season. 

According to Spotrac (h/t ESPN), players on L.A.'s roster missed 201 games in total during the 2020-21 campaign, which isn't ideal. 

This is the second time in the last three years that the Lakers have fired their head athletic trainer. According to ESPN, more changes are expected as the team takes a new approach to player health.