NBA
Will Tyronn Lue be the next Lakers coach? What has he said about job?
Los Angeles Clippers boss Lue is being linked with the job at the Lakers, who this week fired head coach Darvin Ham after two seasons in charge.
Tyronn Lue’s Los Angeles Clippers suffered their second straight elimination in the first round of the NBA Playoffs on Friday, when their 114-101 defeat to the Dallas Mavericks confirmed a 4-2 series victory for the Texans. Now the Clippers board will have to analyse the future of their 47-year-old head coach after four seasons at the helm.
Will Lue stay at Clippers or join Lakers?
According to ESPN journalist Adrian Wojnarowski, Lue’s contract expires at the end of the 2025/26 season, but the Clippers are working on offering him an extension. This is because the Los Angeles Lakers are interested in hiring the Missouri native as their new head coach. A source has told AS that the Lakers are very keen to reunite him with LeBron James next season.
In 2016, Lue coached a Cleveland Cavaliers team featuring James to the franchise’s first ever NBA championship. On several occasions, James has described the Clippers boss as one of the best coaches he has had in his 21-year career. Appointing Lue would help to ease the Lakers’ contract negotiations with James and ensure the superstar returns next season.
“Great to be wanted” - Lue on Lakers interest
Asked about the Lakers’ interest, Lue told reporters in the wake of the Clippers’ defeat to the Mavericks: “It’s great to be wanted. That’s a really good feeling. But like I said, I want to be here. And hopefully we’re able to solidify that.”
Based on Lue’s statements, he appears to intend on staying with the Clippers at least until his contract expires. However, he is still expected to talk to the Lakers this summer.
Who else is being linked with the Lakers?
If Lue decides to stay with the Clippers and sign a contract extension beyond 2026, the Lakers will have to look elsewhere for a replacement for Darvin Ham, who was fired on Friday. Other names in the frame for the job are J.J. Redick, Kenny Atkinson, Charles Lee and Mike Budenholzer.