The Lakers are at “an impasse” in negotiations with Tyronn Lue to be their next head coach, tweets ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Talks have stalled without an agreement for Lue to take over the team, even though he has been widely expected to get the job.
Sources tell Wojnarowski that negotiations have focused on contract specifics and the makeup of Lue’s coaching staff. The Lakers want him to add former Nets and Bucks head coach Jason Kidd, who made a “strong impression” when he interviewed for the job and has shown an ability to develop young players.
The idea of having experienced assistants have always been important to Lakers management, notes Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN (Twitter link), who adds that it was part of the reason there was friction with former head coach Luke Walton. A report yesterday said that Lue reached out to Tom Thibodeau about being his top assistant, but that pairing is considered unlikely to happen, even if Lue does get the job.
It’s not clear if Kidd is interested in taking on that role either, writes Shams Charania of The Athletic. Kidd moved straight into a head coaching role after his playing days were over and has never worked as an NBA assistant.
In addition to Lue and Kidd, Lakers management also met with new Suns coach Monty Williams and Heat assistant Juwan Howard in their coaching search. L.A. never made Williams a contract offer before he signed with Phoenix, and there was “no concrete sense” that the team planned to, sources tell Charania.
Lue seems like a natural candidate for the Lakers because of his connection to LeBron James from their days in Cleveland, which included a championship and three straight NBA Finals appearances. However, Charania reports that James has told the front office he doesn’t want to be part of the coaching search and reportedly declined a request to speak to Williams about the job.
James intends his decision to be a sign of faith in management, Charania adds, and he is still committed to trying to get the team back into title contention. The Lakers are expected to be active on the free agent market, and the coaching decision will be among several factors that determines their success.
So they are gonna try to hire Kidd now? Please don’t! I really cant stand what my Lakers have become. Someone wake me when they’ve figured things out
When an organization makes good decisions, it starts at the top. Same when it makes bad decisions. Until the top of the organization changes, don’t expect the decision-making to improve.
I agree. Just as a life long fan I’m beginning to really lose my patneice. Disgusted with this team right now.
this is getting more and more bizarre. if they like Kidd so much, hire him! How could Lue possibly feel comfortable coaching if they’re going to force him to take on an assistant that they will replace him with if they dony perform well. that’s not right
Kinda how he got the Cavs job?
Lue should walk if the price is having Kidd on his staff. Lue isn’t the strongest HC in the first place and he’s seen as LeBron’s guy. Put the alpha dog Kidd in the room, a guy who has forgotten more basketball than most guys will ever know, and Lue would surely be an early casualty in chaotic Laker-land.
Lue does not want a guy will will eventually try stab you behind your back at some point?
He has first hand knowledge of that lol
Wow the Lakers have turned into a dumpster fire. Who is running the show Jennie???? I hope the rumors aren’t true that front office wants to hire their own coaching staff. Never thought i would see the day where the clippers were more relevant than the lake show.
Everyone screamed how the Lakers were dumb for hiring Lue. Now its not happening people say its bad. Jeez not even trying to hide your Lakers derangement syndrom
Lue probably didn’t want to work for an organization that are liars. That starts with their name, “Lakers”, hell the people and players in LA have no idea what a LAKE even is. Give the name back to Minnesota where it belongs.
So… that’s your big complaint??
There otta be a rule!
And there might be one in the NFL. When the Cleveland Browns moved to Baltimore they were not allowed to use “Browns”. But that’s not more important to Ohioans than “Lakers” would be to Minnesotans.
Imagine wanting Jason Kidd in your organization.
That is the funniest comment I’ve seen today.
James saying he doesn’t want to be involved in coaching search? That’s funny