The Los Angeles Lakers have yet to make their decision on their next head coach. According to reports, they are still holding out hope on Ty Lue, who is currently employed by none other than the Lakers’ fiercest rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers.
It’s no secret that Lue is currently negotiating a new deal with the Clippers, but the fact that no new contract has been signed gives the Lakers hope on the potential availability of their supposed top choice.
Los Angeles Lakers News: Ty Lue, Clippers No Closer to Extension
Despite the fact that there have been reports stating that LeBron James has excluded himself from the hiring process, you can be sure that the Lakers superstar will have some sort of sway on this monumental decision. As such, it only makes sense that the front office is targeting the same coach who sat at the helm when LeBron won a championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers back in 2016.
The good news for the Lakers is that there appears to be a stalemate between Lue and the Clippers at the moment, which could open the door for a potential cross-town swoop. This report comes via NBA insider Shams Charania (h/t Evan Sidery on X, formerly Twitter):
There has been “no progress” between the Clippers and Ty Lue on a new long-term extension, per @ShamsCharania on @UpAndAdamsShow.
If Lue doesn’t sign a new deal, his final season under contract in Los Angeles would potentially be 2025-26. pic.twitter.com/fYhCdH93hg
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) May 21, 2024
As the above report indicates, Lue is technically still under contract with the Clippers through 2026. However, coaches can be traded too, and perhaps the Clippers might be willing to explore the possibility of cashing in on the 47-year-old shot-caller if they fail to negotiate a more long-term deal.
Given their supposed interest in Lue, it would not be a complete shock if the Lakers emerge as active suitors if he suddenly becomes available.
For More NBA Content:
Follow me on Twitter at @PaoloSongcoNBA, and follow us @HardwoodHeroics. You can also reach out to Paolo Songco via email at [email protected]. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest NBA news, click here!
