Tyronn Lue has become a pivotal figure for the Los Angeles Clippers, cementing the team’s identity under his leadership. However, his path to coaching the Clippers could have been very different. In 2019, Lue was heavily pursued by the Los Angeles Lakers, who were seeking to reunite him with LeBron James, a player he coached to an NBA championship in Cleveland. Despite the Lakers’ interest and LeBron’s personal efforts to secure his hire, Lue ultimately turned down their offer, setting the stage for his impactful tenure with the Clippers.
After being dismissed by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2018, Lue entered the coaching market with an impressive résumé, including leading the Cavaliers to a historic 2016 NBA Finals victory. The Lakers, struggling to stabilize after a disappointing season, saw Lue as the ideal candidate to lead the team and work alongside James again. However, negotiations between Lue and the Lakers fell apart due to disagreements over contract terms and respect for his accomplishments. Lue later revealed that while LeBron and Rich Paul made efforts to support his hiring, he wanted to ensure the organization valued him independently of their influence.
A sticking point in the negotiations was the Lakers’ lowball contract offer, which Lue felt undermined his achievements as a championship-winning coach. Despite orchestrating Cleveland’s first NBA title and famously guiding the team back from a 3–1 Finals deficit against the Golden State Warriors, Lue’s market value seemed to be overlooked. He viewed the offer as a lack of respect for his proven capabilities, leading him to decline the position even though it raised eyebrows across the league.
Lue’s decision ultimately paid off when the Clippers hired him as head coach in 2020. Since then, he has transformed the franchise into a consistent contender in the Western Conference. Known for his strategic adaptability and ability to manage superstar personalities, Lue has brought stability and competitive success to a team aiming to step out of the Lakers’ shadow.
While the Lakers eventually found success with Frank Vogel and their 2020 championship, Lue’s path with the Clippers has reshaped the balance of power in Los Angeles basketball. His principled stance during the Lakers negotiations highlighted his belief in self-respect and recognition, paving the way for his thriving career with the Clippers.
