The NBA’s battle for Los Angeles started as soon as Kawhi Leonard chose the Clippers, but even in the middle of August, things are heating up in the NBA’s newest rivalry.
In a somewhat stunning move, the Clippers are bringing back almost Lakers head coach and former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Ty Lue to be the top assistant on Doc Rivers’ coaching staff, according to Marc Stein of the New York Times. Lue was an assistant for the Clippers during the 2013-14 season after serving under Rivers in Boston from 2011-2013.
As you may remember from earlier this summer, the Lakers had all-but agreed to bring in Ty Lue as their head coach before contract talks broke down over the length of the deal. Lue reportedly wanted a five-year deal but the Lakers were only willing to offer a three-year deal that coincided with the end of LeBron James’ first contract.
Given how Lue essentially felt disrespected by the Lakers front office as well as his long history with LeBron James that included winning the 2016 NBA Championship and two more Finals appearances, this adds plenty of spice to what should be a heated series of games that starts with the first game of the season on October 22.
