Because Tyronn Lue has such a unique bond with LeBron James, supporters of the Los Angeles Lakers have long wished for him to be the team’s coach.
The Lakers apparently had a chance to acquire Lue, but not quite.
According to Legion Hoops, Lue said in an interview with Stephen A. Smith that James himself attempted to work out a deal after the Lakers allegedly undercut him with their meager contract offer.
Lue stated:
“He gave me two calls. What am I supposed to do? “No, I want them to respect me,” I replied. It’s acceptable if they don’t treat me with the respect I deserve; I don’t want to have to come to you to close my deal.
Frank Vogel, who helped the Lakers win their first championship in years, was eventually signed by the team years ago.
The Lakers clearly sought Lue because of his close bond with James.
Lue led James and the Cleveland Cavaliers to their historic title in 2016, and the two have been friends for years.
It makes perfect sense to place these two men together once more.
However, according to insider rumors, the Lakers made Lue an offer of about $18 million and three years, which was just insufficient.
Lue was prepared to leave despite James’s phone calls.
In the end, he struck a deal with the Clippers, and he continues to coach them now.
Vogel was employed by the Lakers for a few years before being let go and Darvin Ham taking his place.
After Ham’s brief tenure, JJ Redick is now attempting to lead the Lakers back to a title.
Fans will always have to speculate about what this ideal situation would have been since Lue is unlikely to coach James again.
The Lakers Land a $48M Star in a Blockbuster Trade Proposal
As they search for a method to bolster their roster, the Los Angeles Lakers are anticipated to be among the most active teams prior to the trade deadline the following year. Despite a lack of success in the postseason, Los Angeles has been staying afloat with essentially the same team for the past two seasons.
At the trade deadline, this can force the team to make some necessary adjustments. However, given their limited finances, the Lakers will need to be extremely imaginative in whatever transactions they make.
On a recent episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, longtime NBA commentator Bill Simmons talked about the Lakers negotiating to acquire Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler. Simmons appeared to concur with his guest Joe House’s assertion that Los Angeles need to pursue Butler.
A possible agreement between the two parties might look like this:
The Lakers get: A forward Jimmy Butler
The Heat have acquired a 2029 first-round pick, a 2028 first-round pick swap, a 2025 second-round pick, guard D’Angelo Russell, forward Rui Hachimura, guard Gabe Vincent, and forward Max Christie.
Miami might also seek to include rookie Dalton Knecht or guard Austin Reaves in the trade. However, the Lakers are likely to aim to keep at least one, if not both, of those players.
The Lakers would only part with one first-round draft selection since Butler is getting on in years. Los Angeles would have to maintain their resolve and not trade both the 2029 and 2031 picks, even though Miami might try for two.
However, acquiring Butler would have a significant effect on the Lakers’ potential season. He is still quite skilled on the floor despite his advanced age, and his defensive vigor would be appreciated.
His time with the Heat may be nearing its conclusion, particularly if the squad performs poorly once more. This past summer, there was some consideration of relocating him to Miami, but they decided to keep him for the time being.
Los Angeles would probably be Butler’s primary choice if both parties decided it was time to move on. It would be intriguing to see him alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but great players always work things out.
Although it’s unclear how Los Angeles will strengthen the team, this would undoubtedly be an intriguing idea. However, if the Lakers wish to seriously compete for another championship this season, they must take action.
