The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly treated Tyronn Lue like a first-time head coach during contract negotiations, according to Marc Stein of the New York Times.
Lue reportedly wanted a longer deal than the Lakers were offering him. Los Angeles also was trying to pick Lue's assistants for him. Lue and the Lakers have ended discussions.
But the Lakers offered a shorter-than-expected contract — with conditions on hiring assistants — that prompted one league source to describe them as treating Lue "like a first-time coach." So the Lakers' job remains open nearly a month after Luke Walton's April 12 departure
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) May 8, 2019
Lue coached LeBron James on the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs won the 2016 championship over the Golden State Warriors in seven games. Cleveland fired Lue on October 28, 2018.
General manager Rob Pelinka is reportedly running the Lakers right now. Magic Johnson stepped down from his president role during an impromptu press conference at Staples Center near the end of the regular season. Owner Jeanie Buss reportedly has no plans to hire anyone above Pelinka.
So what's next for the Purple and Gold? The entire NBA world knows they messed things up with Lue, who was widely expected to be hired by the franchise after the Phoenix Suns signed Monty Williams to a five-year deal last week.
At this point, getting another interview with Miami Heat assistant Juwan Howard might not be a bad idea since he has a rapport with LeBron.
Reaching out to former Warriors coach Mark Jackson is a move some Laker fans want to see happen as well.
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