Negotiations between the Los Angeles Lakers and Tyronn Lue have reportedly reached an impasse without a deal to make him the franchise’s next head coach, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Negotiations between the Los Angeles Lakers and Ty Lue have reached an impasse without a deal to make him the franchise’s next head coach, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 8, 2019
Discussions have included talks on contract and assistant coaching staff, sources said. Among Lakers hopes on a Lue staff: Jason Kidd. He made a strong impression with management in his head coaching interview and had a productive history w/ Bucks developing young talent. https://t.co/uQxTjqWAm7
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 8, 2019
After the Phoenix Suns hired Monty Williams last week, it was widely assumed the Lakers would hire Lue, who coached LeBron James on the Cleveland Cavaliers for three seasons.
Lue played for the Lakers back in the day, too. He was part of the 2001 championship team which defeated Allen Iverson and the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA Finals in five games.
Lue went 128-83 during the regular season with the Cavs. He won the 2016 title with Cleveland, as the Cavs defeated the Golden State Warriors in seven games.
General manager Rob Pelinka is reportedly leading the Lakers coaching search. If Los Angeles doesn't hire Lue, it's unknown where they would go to next. At this point, everyone would still be shocked if Lue and the Lakers don't agree to a deal.
Magic Johnson stepped down from his president role. Lakers owner Jeanie Buss is reportedly not going to hire anyone above Pelinka. LA hasn't made the playoffs since 2013. James missed 17 consecutive games this season and the team was never able to recover from that.