Tyronn Lue declines to comment on rumors surrounding the Lakers and says he wants to continue coaching the Clippers.
On Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Dallas, during the second half of Game 4 of the Los Angeles Clippers’ NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks, head coach Tyronn Lue yells at his players.
DALLAS (AP) — Tyronn Lue stated his desire to remain the Los Angeles Clippers’ long-term coach and refrained from responding to rumors that the Lakers will pursue him in their hunt for a replacement for Darvin Ham.
Lue was questioned about his future and the Lakers’ conversation after Dallas defeated the Clippers 114-101 in Game 6 of their first-round series on Friday.
When asked if he had any comments regarding his name being up in the Lakers’ search, Lue replied, “I don’t really have one.” Being desired is wonderful. It’s a really positive sensation. I do want to be here, as I mentioned. With any luck, we can confirm that.
After a late-night conclusion, Lue spoke with media in the last moments of his 47th birthday. Among others, he mentioned feeling strongly supported by team president Lawrence Frank and owner Steve Ballmer.
With two years left on his deal, Lue is hoping to extend with the Clippers, according to ESPN, which cited unnamed sources.
Lue declared, “I didn’t come in to bounce around, go all over the place.” They’ve all treated me really well. simply having a wonderful rapport with the front office and the owner. It’s excellent. I hope to stay here for a very long time.
Due to tendinitis in his right knee, star player Kawhi Leonard missed four of the Clippers’ six games versus the Mavericks. Last year, in a first-round loss to Phoenix, he was absent from three of the five games.
“I think our guys did a great job persevering through all of the highs and lows, criticism, and hardships they faced this season,” Lue remarked. “Having to enter a series without enough personnel again.”
LeBron James, who signed a free agent contract with the Lakers two years later, was coached by Lue to an NBA championship with Cleveland in 2016. After James left the Cavaliers, Lue left after just six games—all losses—of the season.
Prior to taking over after Doc Rivers and the Clippers mutually split ways after the 2019–20 season, Lue served as assistant to Rivers on the latter’s staff. Rivers made his way to Philadelphia.
Under Lue’s leadership, the Clippers finished 184-134 in the regular season and advanced to the Western Conference finals in his first year.
In 2024–2025, Leonard is bound by a contract, and Paul George, another All-Star, has a player option. Ten-time All-Star James Harden is a free agent after being acquired in an early-season deal.
Lue declared, “This was a good year.” “Aside from the early conclusion, I wouldn’t trade it for anything overall. The guys in the changing room are nice. They are respectful of me. They have my respect. I’m eager to advance to the upcoming season and improve.
