Ty Lue Addresses Lakers HC Rumors, Wants to Remain with Clippers amid Contract Buzz

Adam WellsMay 4, 2024

DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 26: Head coach Tyronn Lue of the Los Angeles Clippers watches play during the first half of game three of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on April 26, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

Sam Hodde/Getty Images

Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue addressed the rumors about him potentially being a candidate for the Los Angeles Lakers' vacancy.

Speaking to reporters after the Clippers' season-ending 114-101 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night, Lue said he "would love to be" with them long-term and maintains a strong relationship with the front office.

NBA TV @NBATV
"I didn't come here to bounce around and go all over the place... I would love to be here long term." <br><br>Clippers HC Ty Lue on his future with LA <a href="https://t.co/yfp5JKibMJ">pic.twitter.com/yfp5JKibMJ</a>

The Lakers' job came open on Friday when Darvin Ham was fired after two seasons. Appearing on The Dan Patrick Show (starts at 3:10 mark), ESPN's Dave McMenamin cited "half a dozen" potential replacement candidates, with Lue potentially among them.

Dan Patrick Show @dpshow
Dave McMenamin (<a href="https://twitter.com/mcten?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mcten</a>) discusses the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lakers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lakers</a> future at Head Coach, including the possibility that they look at JJ Redick to replace Darvin Ham <a href="https://t.co/fmoG4vniqh">pic.twitter.com/fmoG4vniqh</a>

Per The Athletic's Sam Amick and Law Murray, the Clippers intend to pursue an extension with Lue this summer:

"Considering the Clippers' in-season efforts to secure Leonard's future with the franchise, and their attempt to do a new deal with George as well, the choice to leave Lue's long-term status uncertain was seen by some involved parties as questionable. As ESPN first reported on Friday, and as a team source confirmed to The Athletic, the Clippers plan to pursue an extension with Lue."

Even if the Lakers want to hire Lue, it's not as simple as just signing him. He's under contract to the Clippers through next season, so it would require the Clippers signing off on a move and potentially working out some sort of trade compensation with the Lakers if Lue wants to go.

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The Clippers have a lot of motivation to be aggressive this summer because they are moving into a new $2 billion arena next season and need to sell tickets. They've already committed to Kawhi Leonard by giving him a three-year, $153 million extension in January.

Paul George and James Harden are set to become free agents. George's status could depend on the Clippers' ability to make him a max offer because the assumption is the Philadelphia 76ers, who have a max slot available, will aggressively pursue him.

Amick and Murray noted Harden's first season with the Clippers was "positive for all involved" and both sides would like the partnership to continue.

Lue has an excellent track record of success during his eight seasons as an NBA head coach. He's made the playoffs six times, winning a championship with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2015-16.

The Clippers lost in the playoffs once again with Kawhi Leonard unable to play due to an injury. He missed four of six games against the Mavs due to a knee injury. The two-time NBA Finals MVP has only played four of the Clippers' last 15 playoff games dating back to 2021.

Lue is 184-134 in four seasons as Clippers head coach. Their 51 wins this season were the most for the franchise since 2016-17.