Doc Rivers didn’t need long to end the rumors of him becoming the next Los Angeles Lakers head coach.
A day after veteran reporter Peter Vecsey sparked speculation about the Lakers potentially hiring Rivers, the Clippers head coach affirmed his commitment to his team.
Doc told reporters on Tuesday that he is “going nowhere,” and added that he has a new contract extension.
Doc Rivers said he and Steve Ballmer have agreed to an extension. Extension originally had an out this summer, but that’s been scrapped. “This is a great place to work.”
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) March 20, 2019
Doc Rivers’ deal is different from the one he signed this past May, which apparently had an opt out this summer. Rivers said he met with Ballmer earlier this season and the two agreed to make the dealer a longer-term one.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) March 20, 2019
Rivers’ original deal apparently called for an opt out after this season, which the coach could have exercised to take another job if he wanted. That was scrapped as the two sides made a more solid commitment to each other.
It’s a smart move from the Clippers. Though Rivers was overwhelmed when he had to serve as both GM and head coach, having his focus limited to just coaching has helped him do an excellent job. He’s proving yet again what a good coach he is.
