The Charlotte Bobcats have received permission to interview Los Angeles Lakers assistant Steve Clifford as a possible replacement for fired coach Mike Dunlap.

Clifford is known for his defensive expertise after spending nine seasons as an assistant under the Van Gundy brothers -- first Jeff Van Gundy with the Houston Rockets, then Stan Van Gundy with the Orlando Magic.

Alvin Gentry, Nate Tibbetts, Kelvin Sampson, Jeff Hornacek and Elston Turner are also expected to interview for the Bobcats’ coaching vacancy.