Report: Lakers plan to pursue Tom Thibodeau

With everyone and their mother expecting Tom Thibodeau to part ways with the Chicago Bulls imminently, rumors are hitting the fan harder than one of the coach's gruesome practices.

One report late Wednesday had the Los Angeles Lakers pursuing Thibodeau, according to Jordan Schultz of The Huffington Post. The idea of Thibs teaming with Kobe Bryant - and whoever the Lakers manage to sign in free agency this summer - is certainly intriguing given their similar work ethic.

There's also the fact that this would be a substantial upgrade at coach. One must wonder how prepared Bryant really is to play out what he has suggested will be his final NBA season in 2015-16 with Byron Scott calling the shots.

Rumors have the Lakers courting everyone from Rajon Rondo to Kevin Love to restricted free agent Jimmy Butler - who blossomed under Thibodeau in Chicago - this summer. Add the No. 2 pick in June's draft and it's expected the Lakers will make an attempt to go all-in on a stab at contending.

Also worth considering, however: the more teams that have "public" interest in him, the more leverage Thibodeau has. As of Thursday, he is still in the employ of the Bulls - reportedly because Chicago isn't yet close to securing a replacement. Warriors assistant Alvin Gentry and Iowa State coach Fred Hoiberg are the names most circulated for the position.

Thibodeau has most notably been linked to the New Orleans Pelicans coaching vacancy.