Clippers Have Bold Plan To Keep Tyronn Lue Amid Lakers Interest

The LA Clippers are actively working on securing a contract extension for coach Tyronn Lue before the final year of his current deal in the 2025-26 NBA season, according to ESPN. Lue was brought up as a potential option for the Los Angeles Lakers to replace Darvin Ham, who was fired on Friday.

Despite being down 3-2 against the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference first-round playoffs, with Game 6 scheduled for Friday at 9:30 p.m. ET, the Clippers’ commitment to Lue as their long-term coach remains steadfast. The team finished the season with a 51-31 record, earning the fourth seed in the Western Conference.

The Clippers have faced challenges this series, particularly with Kawhi Leonard sidelined for only two games due to right knee inflammation. Nonetheless, the team is focused on retaining free agents Paul George, James Harden, and Leonard.

Despite frequent injuries to key players during Lue’s tenure, the Clippers have maintained strong performances, reaching the playoffs in the past two seasons and holding the sixth-best record in the NBA since 2020-21 with a 184-134 tally.

Lue’s strategy has involved flexible lineups and game plans, particularly adapting quickly to star player injuries. This season saw a major shift when James Harden joined the team, requiring adjustments that eventually led to a significant winning streak.

Lue holds a .590 win percentage in the regular season and a .612 in the playoffs, which was highlighted by an NBA championship win with Cleveland in 2016.