Tyronn Lue says he wants to continue coaching the Clippers and goes on to address speculation about the Lakers

DALLAS– Tyronn Lue said he wants to coach the Los Angeles Clippers long-term and declined to directly address speculation that the Lakers would target him in their search after firing Darvin Ham.

Lue was asked about his future and the Lakers business after Dallas ended the Clippers’ season with a 114-101 victory in Game 6 of the first round series on Friday night.

“I don’t really have any comment on that,” Lue said when asked about his name coming up in the Lakers’ search. “It’s great to be wanted. It’s a very good feeling. Like I said, I want to be here. Hopefully we can solidify that.”

A day after turning 47, Lue said he felt strong support from owner Steve Ballmer and team president Lawrence Frank, among others. Lue has two years left on his contract, and ESPN, citing anonymous sources, reported that the Clippers are interested in an extension.

“I didn’t come to jump around and walk around,” Lue said. “They were all great to me. Just have a great relationship with the owner, with the front office. It’s great. I would love to be here for a long time.”

The Clippers were without forward Kawhi Leonard for four of six games against the Mavericks due to right knee inflammation. He missed three of five games in a first-round loss to Phoenix last year.

“I give credit to our guys for persisting through all the ups and downs and through all the negative scrutiny and through all the things they’ve been through this season,” Lue said. “Having to go into a series again with a shortage of staff.”

Lue coached Cleveland to the 2016 NBA title with LeBron James, who left for the Lakers as a free agent two years later. Lue only appeared in six games – all losses – in the season following James’ departure from the Cavaliers.

Lue was an assistant on Doc Rivers’ staff with the Clippers before taking over when Rivers and the club parted ways after the 2019-20 season. Rivers ended up in Philadelphia.

The Clippers reached the Western Conference Finals in Lue’s first season and have a 184-134 regular season record under his command.

Leonard is under contract through 2024-25, and fellow All-Star Paul George has a player option. James Harden, a 10-time All-Star added in an early-season trade, is a free agent.

“This has been a good year,” Lue said. “Overall, I wouldn’t trade it for anything, apart from the early ending. I like the guys in the locker room. They respect me. I respect them. I’m ready to move on to next season and improve.”

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