Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James made it clear to their front office that he does not want to get involved in the current coaching search.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, James informed the Lakers that he will not play any role in the search for their new coach after parting ways with Luke Walton. This is contrary to popular belief that James has a say on every decision the Lakers will make this offseason.

Former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue emerged as the strongest candidate for the coaching vacancy. Most fans and analysts believed that he became the top bet to land the job because of his ties with James. Lue and James won a championship in 2016, and still have great respect for each other despite parting ways last summer.

Article Continues Below
Related News
timberwolves, Nickeil Alexander-Walker
1 player Minnesota Timberwolves must trade in 2025 offseasonGarrett Kerman ·
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick reacts to his team losing the lead to the Minnesota Timberwolves late in the fourth quarter during game four of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Lakers’ JJ Redick link up with Les Snead at Rams campMiguel La Torre ·
image thumbnail
Sources: Lakers split on trading core playersAnthony Irwin ·
Lakers' Rob Pelinka with a Lakers logo in the middle Mavs Center Daniel Gafford on one side, Nets center Nic Claxton on the other. Question marks around them.
Sources: ‘Extremely active’ Lakers looking to add multiple bigs on trade marketAnthony Irwin ·
Cleveland Cavaliers center Shaquille O'Neal (33) being defended by Chicago Bulls center Brad Miller (52) during the second quarter in game four of the first round of the 2010 NBA playoffs at the United Center.
Former Laker Shaq, Brad Miller recreate brawl photo 23 years laterZachary Howell ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) talks with his coach during a stoppage in play against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second quarter during game four of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Lakers rumors: LeBron James’ ‘likely’ $52.6 million contract decisionPreston Byers ·

Lue and the Lakers eventually failed to reach an agreement. Los Angeles offered a three-year deal worth $18 million, but Lue and his camp wanted a five-year contract. The Lakers are preparing to move to other head coaching candidates, and James is expected to remain uninvolved in the process.

Monty Williams was also a strong candidate for the coaching vacancy before the agreed to sign with the Phoenix Suns. The Lakers front office previously asked James to talk to Williams, but he insisted that he trusts their judgment and remains committed to the Lakers regardless of their decision in the coaching search.