When it comes to the Los Angeles Clippers’ recent turnaround, LeBron James wants everyone to also give credit where it is due: Head coach Ty Lue.
The Los Angeles Lakers star was full of praise for this former Cleveland Cavaliers coach–who has been the Clippers’ top brain trust from the sidelines since 2020–after their meeting on Sunday. While the Clips lost in the Battle of LA, it doesn’t take away the fact that they have been the hottest team in the league for weeks now.

Following the Lakers’ 106-103 win, James was asked what he could say about the recent performance of the “James Harden Clippers.” LeBron then took the opportunity to make sure Lue gets proper credit.
“They look great. You said the James Harden Clippers? Nah, it’s the T-Lue Clippers. It don’t take T-Lue long to get it right. It took five games, and they have been cookin’ since,” James said while in a media huddle in the Lakers’ locker room, per Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
LeBron James has always been complimentary of Ty Lue, but it’s not a surprise since they won a championship together. Not to mention that the title they won was pretty special since they came back from a 3-1 deficit to give Cleveland its NBA first title ever.
Many questioned James for the timing of his comments, though. There have been plenty of buzz about Darvin Ham’s future in LA amid the Los Angeles Lakers’ struggles, so LeBron heaping praise to another coach comes off quite intriguing.
But then again, we’re talking about people who have a good history together. James also did talk about Ham and the work he’s doing to keep the Lakers together amid a rough stretch. And considering that the Purple and Gold just won, the concerns about Ham’s job security lessened a bit.

LeBron James Is Right About Ty Lue, Los Angeles Clippers
For what it’s worth, it’s not like LeBron James is praising Ty Lue out of nowhere. His remarks have merits, especially since the Los Angeles Clippers have climbed to no. 4 in the West under his tutelage.
When the Clippers traded for James Harden in November, they went on a five-game losing streak. Many fans were quick to turn on them and criticize them for making the move and ruining the chemistry that the previous team already has.
Ever since that ugly streak, though, the Clips have lost just seven times and won 19. It allowed them to climb up the West ladder, now boasting a 22-13 record.
Of course the players deserve a ton of credit for buying in and believing in what they have. But the coach who was able to make the partnership work despite all the concerns deserves as much praise.
As James said, it’s the T-Lue Clippers.

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