Re: Sonics' search leads to Lakers http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/basketball/315888_sonx16.htmlIt's been 12 years since Kurt Rambis sported his horned-rimmed glasses, banged in the paint with burly forwards such as Kevin McHale and had a Forum following that tabbed themselves "Rambis Youth."The wildly popular Laker has served as an assistant coach the past five seasons in Los Angeles and the club has granted permission for the former workhorse forward to interview with the Sonics for their vacant coaching position, a Lakers spokesman said.Sonics president Lenny Wilkens also received permission to speak with Lakers assistant coach Jim Cleamons, a well-traveled coach who had a brief stint with the Dallas Mavericks in the mid-1990s.According to a Lakers insider, Cleamons spoke with Wilkens this week and was told he would be interviewed next month, after the organization hires a general manager. So it appears the Sonics are intent on filling the GM slot first and then coach.Wilkens told the Seattle P-I last month that the situation "will work itself out." The Sonics had no comment on their coaching situation and there is an indefinite organization-wide silence about any team issues.Wilkens, owner Clay Bennett and team scouts and coaches have not spoken with the media since April 25.Last week, the Sonics asked permission to speak with Dallas assistant Sam Vincent. It's apparent that Wilkens is seeking a veteran assistant with limited head coaching experience who may not request a premium salary.Rambis, 49, served as an assistant coach under Del Harris for three seasons before compiling a 24-13 record taking over for Harris during the 1998-99 lockout season. The Lakers were swept in four games by the San Antonio Spurs and owner Jerry Buss pulled Phil Jackson out of retirement.Rambis became an assistant general manager, and then joined Jackson's staff in 2001. He just finished his fifth season with the Hall of Fame coach. Rambis played 14 years in the NBA, nine of those with the Lakers as the glue to their 1980s championship teams. He is by far the most familiar name on the list of candidates and he has sought to return to being a head coach.Cleamons finished 28-72 in one-plus season with the Dallas Mavericks as he unsuccessfully tried to implement the triangle offense during a major transition period for the franchise. During his first season -- 1996-97 -- 27 players logged games for the Mavericks while Jason Kidd, Jim Jackson and Jamal Mashburn were each traded during that season.Cleamons, 57, was fired after a 4-12 start to the 1997-98 season and replaced by Don Nelson. He spent seven seasons as Jackson's assistant with the Chicago Bulls and returned to work with Jackson in 1999. He also spent two seasons as an assistant with the New Orleans Hornets.But neither candidate will be interviewed until after the Orlando pre-draft camp and the Sonics pick a new general manager. Next for the Sonics is the draft lottery on Tuesday to determine where they draft. The Sonics have an 8.8 percent chance of landing the top pick.Wilkens and assistant general manager Rich Cho will travel to New York, likely along with Bennett, to watch the pingpong ball lottery.
