NBA

Clippers trying to extend Ty Lue amid Lakers firing Darvin Ham

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Published May 3, 2024, 8:04 p.m. ET

A potential Lakers head coach candidate might not even interview for the open position.

The Clippers are now looking to give head coach Tyronn Lue a contract extension, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Lue, the Clippers’ head coach since 2020, was expected to be in the mix for the Lakers’ coaching vacancy after the team fired Darvin Ham on Friday afternoon.

But per Wojnarowski, the Clippers are “planning to pursue” an extension for Lue that would keep him past the 2025-26 season.

LA Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue during the game against the Dallas Mavericks during game four of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center.
LA Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue during the game against the Dallas Mavericks during game four of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

Lue led the Clippers to 51 wins this season, which is tied for the most victories he’s had as a head coach after he accumulated the same number during the 2016-17 season with LeBron James and the Cavaliers.

The season did not go the way the Lakers wanted this year, going 47-35 this year as the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference, winning the NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament.

But the Lakers were bounced by the Nuggets in five games in their first-round series, one year after Denver knocked them out of the Western Conference Finals.

“We greatly appreciate Darvin’s efforts on behalf of the Lakers and recognize the many accomplishments achieved over the past two seasons, including last year’s remarkable run to the Western Conference finals,” Pelinka said in a statement. “We all want to thank Darvin for his dedication and positivity. While this was a difficult decision to make, it is the best course of action following a full review of the season. This organization will remain unwavering in its commitment to deliver championship-caliber basketball to Lakers fans around the world.”

Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham, left, argues for a call with referee Kevin Scott, front right, in the first half of Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets, Monday, April 29, 2024, in Denver.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham, left, argues for a call with referee Kevin Scott, front right, in the first half of Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets, Monday, April 29, 2024, in Denver. AP

According to ESPN, the Lakers also fired the rest of the team’s coaching staff after dismissing Lue, leaving a number of openings.

Aside from Lue, former NBA veteran and ESPN analyst JJ Reddick, ex-Nets coach Kenny Atkinson and former Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer are among the possible candidates for the Lakers’ open position, according to The Athletic.

The Clippers are still in the NBA playoffs, as they take on the Mavericks in Game 6 on Friday night, down 3-2 in the first-round series.