Tyronn Lue Withdraws from Lakers Negotiations

Talks between former Cleveland Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue and the Los Angeles Lakers have broken down, according to reports.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been looking for a coach since parting ways with Luke Walton on April 12. Tyronn Lue had been in advanced talks with the franchise to take over as head coach.

However, no agreement could be reached. As a result, Tyronn Lue pulled out of negotiations for good on Wednesday, say ESPN.

Lue had turned down the Lakers offer on Tuesday. Afterwards, the Lakers came back on Wednesday with another offer. The new offer was in the range of 3 years and $18 million, however Lue rejected this also.

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Per reports, Lue was looking for a five year deal with a salary that reflected his championship status. The Cavaliers still owe him $10 million on his contract payout. As a result, Lue could lose money if he accepts a deal that is below his market value.

As well as the financial issues, the were a number of factors that lead to the talks breaking down. Apparently, the Lakers proposed several of their own choices for head coach.

One of those candidates was Jason Kidd, who was also interviewed for the head coach position. After that interview, the Lakers camp became convinced that Kidd was the perfect assistant for Lue. Lue, however, didn’t agree, although it was apparently never directly discussed.

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Lue’s history with LeBron James must have been a factor in the Lakers’ desire to recruit him. It’s a partnership that won the Cavaliers the NBA Championship in 2016.

It’s why LeBron came to the Lakers, to give them what he gave to Cleveland. It looks as if he’ll have to do it without his old partner.