The Los Angeles Lakers are back to square one in their head coaching search.
According to multiple reports, negotiations between Lue and the Lakers have ended for good without a deal. Tania Ganguli of the Los Angeles Times reported that the Lakers have opted to move in a different direction, while colleague Brad Turner said that Lue’s camp has moved on from trying to negotiate a contract.
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
According to Turner, Lue was seeking a five-year deal, but the Lakers were only willing to offer three.
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
Reports earlier Wednesday stated that negotiations broke down in part because the Lakers were trying to mandate that Lue hire certain assistants, particularly Jason Kidd, as part of his coaching staff.
This is a huge black eye for the Lakers, especially after their other top choice didn’t bother waiting around for them before accepting another job. They will essentially have to reboot their search days after it looked like they had chosen Luke Walton’s replacement.
