The Lakers‘ search for a head coach has entered the next phase and the frontrunners are clear. Four known candidates for the vacancy were interviewed, including former Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue, Sixers’ assistant coach Monty Williams, Heat assistant coach Juwan Howard and Jason Kidd.
This week, both Lue and Williams were called in for follow-up interviews. Lue, in particular, resonated with Lakers brass during his meeting, playing up his history as a player for multiple championship-winning teams in Los Angeles, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
“Ty Lue struck a very emotional chord in his interview with Lakers leadership,” Charania said. “Diving into his history as a player and how responsive he is with that franchise over the last decade.”
Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times provided a similar account, citing sources who said a “lasting impression was left on both parties involved in the discussions.”
Lue, 41, led Cleveland to the franchise’s first-ever NBA championship in 2016 and has a strong familiarity with the Lakers’ top player, LeBron James. Lue also spent his first three NBA seasons in Los Angeles as a player, which gives him a background with the organization.
Lue is not the only one with a connection to as James, as Williams spent a lot of time with the forward on Team USA. It remains to be seen in which direction the Lakers go to replace Luke Walton.
Everyone knows it’s gonna be LueBron, just announce it already.
When I think of those championship Lakers teams, Tyronn Lue is always the first player that comes to mind. What a vital part he played! Any truth to the rumor that he showed up for his interview wearing his old Lakers uni?
He’s the first Laker I think of…but I’m an Iverson fan and that step over is iconic, despite losing the series.
Per Lou Williams: “I’m happy to be a Clipper,” Williams said. “I think it showed with me taking the extension last year, just the way everything is run here is smooth. Everybody communicates with each other. It’s no surprises, no sneaky stuff, no funny business. If there’s an issue, it gets discussed. And I’m just happy to be here. So as far as ownership and the front office goes, I have a lot of confidence in the decisions they make. And I look forward to seeing what they put together this summer.” Sounds like a jab at the Lakers to me.
Lou Will’s been on a lot of teams throughout his career. I’m willing to bet there was sneaky stuff and funny business in at least 1 other organization than the Lakers. Not praising them by any means but he could be talking about anybody.
Says the obvious laker fan who can’t handle or accept reality.
Really? Are you serious? Everyone in this site knows that yoyo137 is a Blazers fan… so grow up, listen, learn & be quiet!
Its my opinion that Sweet Lou is indirectly referencing at least 2 organizations…
So who’s dodging reality. Williams has personal experiences that would certainly overshadow mere rumors about people & places he does not have any skin in.
If anything, he is recruiting Durant and talking about GSW.
@dodge- link to sports.yahoo.com
Yeah, ur right…. its plain as day he’s recruiting Durant and not referencing the Lakers OR any past organization he’s been with. Don’t know what I was thinking. CLEARLY it was a recruiting pitch to KD!
Yet, the Lakers have been a hot mess for how many years now. The sibling rivalry, coaching changes, Magic steps down. What a joke.
Lakers hiring Lue is sweet music. That team is going to be a disaster.
God for them