The Clippers’ Big Four looked dejected as the Mavericks celebrated their advancement. From the team’s warm welcome of Harden to the slump in performance, followed by a surge and eventual stability, to being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, it’s been a rollercoaster ride for the Clippers. Despite their efforts, they now face an uncertain future as a team on the brink of collapse.
In a 101-104 loss to the Mavericks, the Clippers were knocked out of the playoffs with a 2-4 series score. According to ESPN reports, Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue will seek a long-term contract extension this offseason, possibly commanding a salary on par with the league’s highest-paid coaches. Meanwhile, the Lakers, who were eliminated 4-1 by the Nuggets earlier, announced the dismissal of their head coach, Ham. With the vacancy, they are actively pursuing new coaching candidates, with Tyronn Lue, a former championship coach, among their considerations. Lue’s extensive history coaching alongside LeBron James during their championship run with the Cavaliers in 2016 makes him an attractive option for the Lakers.
Lue’s familiarity with James undoubtedly makes him a top candidate, prompting Lakers management to swiftly reach out to him to secure a coaching deal and prepare for the upcoming season. However, securing Lue won’t be easy. The Lakers must offer a lucrative, long-term contract to compete with other potential suitors. Additionally, Clippers owner Ballmer, one of the wealthiest in the NBA, could pose a financial challenge for the Lakers. If unable to secure Lue, the Lakers have other options in mind, such as Kidd, Budenholzer, and Redick, all considered upgrades from Ham.
Ham, coaching the Lakers for two years, amassed a regular-season record of 90 wins and 74 losses, with a winning percentage of 55%. In the playoffs, he managed only 9 wins and 12 losses, with a subpar winning percentage. Despite winning the mid-season championship, the Lakers’ disappointing regular-season performance and early playoff exit reflect poorly on Ham’s coaching abilities, particularly his in-game adjustments. Moreover, frequent lineup changes during the regular season, despite high attendance rates for core players like James and Davis, resulted in only a seventh-place finish in the Western Conference. Although the Lakers led for most of their first-round playoff series against the Nuggets, their eventual defeat underscores the coaching deficiencies under Ham. Beyond coaching issues, the Lakers will also need to adjust their player roster. If James decides to stay, the Lakers must assemble a competitive lineup to contend for another championship within their limited window of opportunity.