NBA News Roundup, Sunday, April 14th: Lonzo Ball's Chicago Trade, Luke Walton to Sacramento, and more

Lakers granted permission to speak to Monty Williams

Monty Williams is currently an assistant with the Philadelphia 76ers

With Luke Walton set to secure a new team, the Lakers look as though they have also ramped up their efforts to find his successor. ESPN is reporting that the Lakers have been granted permission to speak to Philadelphia 76ers assistant Monty Williams.

Williams and former Cleveland Caviliers coach Tyronn Lue are the focus of the Lakers' search, and general manager Rob Pelinka is planning to speak individually with each soon, league sources said. The expectation is that Pelinka likely will speak to Williams on the phone or travel east to meet with him.

Williams previously spent time as associate head coach with the Oklahoma City Thunder, although he left his position due to the death of his wife. However, Williams returned to coaching last summer, forming a key part of Brett Brown's support team in Philadelphia.