Earlier in the week, Tyronn Lue appeared to be a lock to become the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.
With Monty Williams taking the Suns job, the Lakers were getting deep into contract talks with Lue, as reports swirled about potential assistants that could be joining his staff. Those discussions about assistants apparently ended up being the downfall of negotiations, as the Lakers reportedly were pushing Jason Kidd to be an assistant, as was reported on Wednesday.
Shortly after reports the two sides had “reached an impasse” it became all but official that Lue was no longer a candidate. Tania Ganguli and Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times reported the two sides had “moved on” from talks, although each cites the other party as being the one that made the decision.
The Lakers have decided to move on from Ty Lue as they search for their next head coach, having determined he isn't the right long-term fit for the organization, according to a team source.
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) May 8, 2019
Ty Lue and his representatives have informed the Lakers that he is moving on from trying to be hired as the Lakers' new coach, sources. Lue and his reps thanked the Lakers.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) May 8, 2019
Assistants weren’t the only apparent issue in negotiations, as the Lakers’ offer didn’t include the job security Lue was looking for.
Lue and his representatives declined the Lakers offer of 3-years, $18 million. Lue was seeking five years. per source.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) May 8, 2019
Ty Lue and his reps turned down the Lakers’ offer Tuesday, per league sources. LAL regrouped with an offer in the range of 3 years, $18 million today. Lue’s side pulled out of negotiations. Lue’s camp seeking 5 year deal with salary commensurate with championship resume
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 8, 2019
In any case, Lue is no longer in the running for the job after long being considered the frontrunner due to his ties to the Lakers and to LeBron James. Now, the question becomes whether one of those that was being floated as a lead assistant will end up as head coach, whether that’s Kidd, Tom Thibodeau, or Frank Vogel — all of whom were reported as potential assistants recently. Juwan Howard also was among those interviewed for the head coaching vacancy.
