The Lakers’ Search for a New Coach: Kidd Out, Lue Unlikely, and LeBron’s Decision

The Los Angeles Lakers’ search for a new coach is facing challenges, with the news that Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd is set to receive a contract extension from Dallas. This makes him unavailable to the Lakers, who are looking for a replacement following the dismissal of Darvin Ham after their first-round playoff loss to the Denver Nuggets.

The uncertainty surrounding LeBron James adds to the Lakers’ offseason challenges, as he has the option to opt out of his contract and has not committed to returning to Los Angeles next season. The Clippers are also reportedly looking to sign Tyronn Lue, who led James to an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016. However, it seems unlikely that either Lue or Kidd will be available for the Lakers.

According to Marc Stein’s Substack, Kidd is poised to receive a contract extension in the near future, which makes him off-limits for the Lakers. Meanwhile, sources suggest that Kidd’s availability is unlikely due to his successful tenure with the Mavericks so far. In three seasons as head coach, he has led them to two 50-win seasons and three playoff series wins in four attempts.

Jason Kidd, a Hall of Fame point guard who played for the Mavericks during their 2011 NBA championship run, recently guided them past the Los Angeles Clippers in their first-round playoff victory over them. The Mavericks are currently facing off against Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of their second-round series. Prior to becoming a head coach with the Mavericks and Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets respectively