Lakers Coaching Rumors: Phil Jackson Suggested Tyronn Lue Would Be ‘Really Good’ Option To Jeanie Buss

Dan Duangdao
2 Min Read
Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

After Monty Williams agreed to a five-year deal to become the Phoenix Suns head coach, the Los Angeles Lakers shifted their focus to Tyronn Lue.

Prior to Williams essentially making the decision for them, Los Angeles reportedly was split on offering the job to one of them despite two interviews.

As the Lakers reportedly are ‘proceeding toward an offer’ to Lue and have ‘no plans’ to interview new candidates, it appears owner Jeanie Buss received some advice.

Former head coach Phil Jackson reportedly endorsed his former player to Buss, according to Brad Turner of Los Angeles Times:

While Lue and Williams were considered the frontrunners, the former was always considered their top option, according to Turner:

During this hiring process, there was a perception about Lue during his time as the Cleveland Cavaliers head coach with LeBron James. However, after interviewing four candidates, it appears the Lakers felt Lue was the best one — regardless of the circumstances.

With Lue and James set to reunite in Los Angeles, they need to properly construct a roster. While the goal remains adding a second All-Star player via free agency or trade, they also need three-point shooters and rim protectors for the 2019-20 NBA season.

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Dan Duangdao was the managing editor at Lakers Nation (2013-16, 2018-20). He is currently the founder at LA Sports Media, Lake Show, Raiders Nation, Rams Nation, Kings Nation, Galaxy Nation, and MMA Rumors. Born and raised in Southern California and a lifelong Los Angeles sports and mixed martial arts fan, his first NBA game was Kobe Bryant and the Lakers against the Golden State Warriors with Michael Jordan in attendance during the 1998-99 NBA season. He was previously a contributor at HOOPSWORLD (now Basketball Insiders) and an NBA editor at ClutchPoints. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @DanDuangdao.