Following the LA Lakers’ disappointing early exit from the playoffs, HC Darvin Ham‘s position looked shaky. Despite having positive winning numbers and the ability to push the LA side to the Western Conference Finals last season, Ham’s decision-making skills have been under scrutiny.
As per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin’s reports, there are two candidates who could manage the 17-time championship-winning team if the Lakers decide to part ways with Ham. The two names who are deemed as the real candidates for the role are JJ Redick and Tyronn Lue.
On a recent episode of the Dan Patrick Show, the NBA reporter stated, “JJ [Redick] certainly is a real candidate if they do open up this coaching search.” He further added, “There’s, I’d say, half a dozen folks out there, including possibly the guy who just lost last night against the Mavericks, Tyronn Lue … that there will be a process there that there are several viable candidates that will get an interview.”
Both names mentioned have a bond with the Lakers’ star LeBron James. Reddick has started a podcast, “Mind the Game,” with him, where the two discuss the ins and outs of basketball. On the flip side, Lue has a contract with the Clippers till the next season, but he would definitely like to reunite with the 39-year-old if Ham is fired.
LeBron James Would Want Tyronn Lue at Lakers
Now that two names have come forward for Darvin Ham’s replacement on the Lakers, more speculations are made regarding whom their star LeBron James would want.
According to an Eastern Conference executive, “If LeBron had his way, he would hire Ty Lue as his coach and he would do that with the Lakers.” LeBron has a strong connection with Lue and values him more than the other coaches because of the history that they share.
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The 20-time All-Star played under Lue for the Cleveland Cavaliers for more than two seasons (2016-2018) and bagged a glittery championship trophy in the first season. With LeBron’s future in line, he might impact the coaching decision if he stays with the Lakers next season.
Also Read: Wild New Rumor Claims LeBron James To The Philadelphia 76ers Is “Going To Happen”
