Ty Lue Doesn’t Want To Coach Lakers & LeBron James As Billionaire Steve Ballmer’s Charm Traps 47YO Veteran

Tyronn Lue made it loud and clear to stay with the Clippers. The LA Clippers suffered a humiliating 4-2 loss in the first round and had an early exit in the postseason. The loss came hours after the Lakers dismissed Darvin Ham from the coaching team. While the NBA world looked for replacements, Lue came up on the top of the list to lead LeBron James & Co. However, he revealed his intentions to stay long-term and the Clippers’ owner Steve Ballmer played a huge role in the decision.

Darvin Ham had a knife hanging over his head ever since LeBron James expressed his disappointment over a cryptic tweet. Eventually, the Lakers management fired him today. As an extension to Ham’s exit, a reporter asked Lue, if he would stay with the Clippers after this season. The 47-year-old said, “I didn’t come here to bounce around and go all over the place… I would love to be here long term.” 

Moreover, he further spoke about the privileges that he received throughout his time with the Clippers. Speaking of Steve Ballmer, he said, “How about a better experience? Since I’ve been here Mr. Ballmer showed me a lot of different things that I wouldn’t be prevy (previleged) to if I was not here… Just having a great relationship with the owner, with front office. It’s great. I will love to be here longtime.”

The Clippers owner, who is also the seventh richest man in the world, can be often seen sitting on the courtside seats, donning a checkered shirt. The love for his franchise even led him to build a new arena for the side after sharing the Crypto.com Arena with the Lakers for all these years.

He roped in Ty Lue four seasons ago and the team hasn’t made a strong impact except for this season, ending the regular season as the fourth seed. Nevertheless, it didn’t end well either as they crashed out in the first round in the absence of their star, Kawhi Leonard.

Why is the Lakers a suitable destination for Ty Lue?

Before his coaching stint with the Clippers, Tyronn Lue had an impressive coaching stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He helped the franchise win its first and only championship trophy in 2016. On top of it, he took them to back-to-back Finals in 2017 and 2018 as well. Importantly, it wasn’t just with his efforts but a collaborative effort with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving.

As the Lakers roster still relies on James and Anthony Davis as their championship contenders, Ty Lue’s inclusion in the locker room can make all the difference. Moreover, Lue has also donned the Purple and Gold uniform during the start of his NBA career.

However, as per the latest reports from Adrian Wojnarowski, the Clippers are looking to extend their contract with Lue until the 2025-26 season. And, both Paul George and James Harden have reached their free agency and the LA side might have a massive change in their roster this offseason.

Will Ty Lue fill the vacancy in the Lakers coaching department? Let us know in the comments below.