NEW ORLEANS, LA – APRIL 02: Coach Jay Wright of the Villanova Wildcats appears in the first half of a game against the Kansas Jayhawks during the 2022 Men’s Basketball Tournament Semifinals Final at the Caesars Superdome on April 02, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jimmy Squire/Getty Images)
With news of Jay Wright retiring at Villanova, Lakers fans had been hoping he would be joining Los Angeles. Insiders provided an immediate answer.
To underscore what was already realistic, Jay Wright led the Villanova Wildcats to another Final Four appearance last season before being eliminated by the Ultimate National Champion Kansas Jayhawks. However, the job Wright accomplished with Villanova was remarkable – but it could also get done.
On Wednesday evening, reports began circulating from several outlets that Wright was planning to step down and actually retire at Villanova.
Amid these reports, though, NBA fans — Los Angeles Lakers fans specifically — were willing to put him on the fringes of the pro ranks, at the Crypto.com Arena or otherwise. However, ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski and CBS College Athletic’s Matt Norlander both confirmed that’s not in the cards.
Jay Wright, the next Lakers coach? Woj says not so fast
Wright doesn’t leave the Wildcats to coach the Lakers or the NBA team. Instead, he ended his coaching career at virtually any level.
That’s certainly a shock considering Wright is still clearly at the top of his game in terms of coaching and, as Waugh pointed out, the interest he’s garnered from the NBA over the years if he wants to change the landscape. However, if that’s what he wants, it’s good for him and his decision.
As for Lakers fans, the search for the man who will be tasked with getting this team out of the hole they dug in the very disappointing 2021-22 season will continue.
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