South Bay Lakers Name Miles Simon as Head Coach

The South Bay Lakers have named Miles Simon as head coach, it was announced today by team President/CEO Joey Buss and General Manager Nick Mazzella. Simon will be the ninth head coach in franchise history and will continue to serve as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Simon joins the South Bay organization after spending four seasons as an assistant coach with Los Angeles, having been a member of the 2020 NBA Championship staff under Head Coach Frank Vogel. Simon has twice led the charge for the Lakers summer league teams, leading the team to a championship game berth for the second consecutive summer in 2018, after taking home the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League title as an assistant on the staff. Since joining the Lakers, Simon has at times been responsible for the pre-draft workout process and has assisted with the offseason development programs for current Lakers players.

“We are extremely excited to have Miles lead the South Bay Lakers as our new head coach,” Buss said. “His vast experience as a coach and player will be invaluable to the organization as we look to establish a winning culture in our pursuit of a championship."

“I couldn’t be happier to continue my career with the Lakers organization as South Bay’s head coach. It is an honor to lead such a successful franchise and I look forward to working with our team both on and off the court,” Simon said “South Bay has a strong track record of developing NBA talent and I can’t wait to build upon our history as one of the top teams in the NBA G League. After winning the NBA world championship in 2020 with the Lakers, I expect to bring that pedigree to South Bay as well. I want to thank Jeanie, Rob, Kurt, Frank, Joey and Nick for the opportunity and I can’t wait to get to work.”

Simon first joined the Lakers organization after serving as head coach of the 2017 USA Junior National Select Team for the Nike Hoops Summit, leading the USA to a victory over the World Select Team. Simon won gold medals as an assistant for the 2016 USA Men’s U17 World Championship Team, as well as the 2015 USA Men’s U16 National Team. In addition to his work with USA Basketball, Simon has also served as a college basketball analyst for ESPN.

“Miles has been an integral member of the Lakers organization for many years, both as an assistant coach on a championship team and as the leader of our summer league rosters,” said Mazzella. “His ability to develop players will be vital to our franchise and we know that he will build a winning and positive atmosphere around our organization.”

The Arizona alumnus was the 1997 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player after leading the Wildcats to a National Championship as a junior. Upon graduation, Simon played one season for the Orlando Magic before spending time overseas and in the CBA. After his playing career, Simon spent three seasons (2005-08) as an assistant coach at Arizona on Lute Olson’s staff.