Unknown to many, 2016 champion coach Tyronn Lue was supposed to be the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Prior to the 2019-2020 season, things abruptly fell apart due to a disagreement in contract negotiations, among other areas of concern. Meanwhile, another notable figure in Frank Vogel was expected to be the top deputy in Lue's coaching staff in Los Angeles.
With the deal to acquire Lue ultimately not being able to push through, the 43-year-old tactician needed to find his replacement and turned to Vogel who was then offered to handle the head coaching reins instead back in May of 2019.
Via Bill Oram and Joe Vardon of The Athletic:
“Someone is going to take the job,” Lue said to Vogel, according to a source familiar with the call. “Why not you?”
With the rare opportunity in front of him, Vogel needed to call back Lue to get his blessing first before accepting the job with the Lakers. After the call, as they say, the rest was history.
Vogel led the Purple and Gold to its 17th title in franchise history in his first season as head coach with the help of his two All-Stars in LeBron James and Anthony Davis. On the other hand, Lue finished the season sitting on the Clippers' bench behind former head coach Doc Rivers as the team concluded a disappointing Game 7 defeat against the Denver Nuggets.
A few weeks later, Rivers eventually packed his bags to Philadelphia while Lue was finally elevated by the Clippers to serve as the team's new head coach for the next five years. The two tacticians will face off on the season opener as the Lakers and the Clippers will both turn to a new chapter in their historic rivalry in the upcoming 2020-2021 NBA season.
Follow Us
Subscribe