According to reporter Marc Stein, the Los Angeles Lakers are facing new challenges in their search for a new coach. The Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd is reportedly set to receive a contract extension from Dallas, making him unavailable to the Lakers. This news comes as the Lakers are looking for a new coach 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 James has the option to opt out of his contract and has not committed to returning to Los Angeles next season. Tyronn Lue, head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers, who led James to an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, was also expected to be a target for the Lakers. However, reports indicate that the Clippers are looking to sign Lue to an extension to keep him on their sideline.
Per Marc Stein’s Substack, sources suggest that Kidd’s availability is unlikely due to his recent contract extension with the Mavericks. Despite being a Hall of Fame point guard who played for the Mavericks during their 2011 NBA championship run and previously serving as an assistant for the Lakers and as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks, Kidd appears poised to remain with Dallas for another season or more.
The Lakers do not believe they will be able to sign either Kidd or Lue this offseason. The uncertainty surrounding LeBron James only adds more challenges for them in finding a replacement coach for Darvin Ham.
