Lakers offseason news: Lakers 'finalizing' hire of Jesse Mermuys as assistant coach

The Los Angeles Lakers are "finalizing" a contract for Raptors 905 head coach Jesse Mermuys to join Luke Walton's coaching staff, according to Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times.

Former Time Warner Cable Sportsnet analyst Dave Miller first reported the Lakers' interest in Mermuys, which Chris Reichert of Upside and Motor confirmed.

Fittingly for a D-League head coach, Mermuys is known primarily for his skills in player development. That's an important toolset to bring to a young team like the Lakers, who in addition to young players like D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance, Jr., Anthony Brown, and (probably) Tarik Black will have two picks from the upcoming 2016 NBA draft on their roster next season.

Mermuys' hire also makes sense due to Walton's familiarity with him, giving the new head coach another trusted voice on the bench alongside Brian Shaw.

Prior to his time as head coach of the Raptors 905, Mermuys was an assistant on Dwane Casey's bench with the Raptors, and twice coached the team's summer squad. Mermuys additionally spent five years as an assistant in Denver and Houston.

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