The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly never officially offered Monty Williams the head coaching job, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.
Williams signed a five-year deal with the Phoenix Suns last week to become their new head coach. The Lakers, meanwhile, are widely expected to hire former Cleveland Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue soon.
“My understanding is that the Lakers never — and the terminology that was given to me is curious and probably telling — they never officially offered Monty the job,” Amick said on the latest Athletic podcast.
“It seems that, the way I translated that, was that they might have wanted him but then did want him…to the tune of whatever he got from Phoenix.”
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has reportedly been leading the coaching search. Owner Jeanie Buss isn't planning on hiring anyone above Pelinka in the wake of Magic Johnson stepping down from his president role.
Williams was head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans for five seasons. Lue, meanwhile, coached Lakers superstar LeBron James on the Cleveland Cavaliers for three seasons. The two won the 2016 championship over the Golden State Warriors in seven games. Lue also played for the Lakers back in the day.
LA might have just talked with Williams to get his perspective on the team, although it appears they became serious about him later, only to see him sign with the Suns.
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