With the Los Angeles Lakers disappointing season winding down, much of the attention has gone to the coaching search. Most expect that Luke Walton will be fired after the team was unable to reach the postseason in their first year with LeBron James, leading to speculation of who will replace him.
Over the past couple of weeks, there have been some rumors swirling around about LA Clippers head coach Doc Rivers being a prime candidate for the job. Much of those talks seem to be unfounded, but there was enough smoke for the potential coach of the year winner to shut down those rumors ahead of a recent Clippers game, via Clutch Points’ Tomer Azarly:
#Clippers’ Doc Rivers shuts down #Lakers rumors – “I have a job and the lakers have a job. I’m going nowhere, I can tell you that. Straight and up front. I’m going to be here until Steve says get out. I plan to be here a long time.”
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) March 20, 2019
Doc Rivers says owner Steve Ballmer even gave him an opt out in order for both sides to make sure. Reiterated that he’s going nowhere and that they took the opt out out. Doc adds the ultimate goal is to win an NBA title with the #Clippers.
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) March 20, 2019
Doc Rivers says he re-worked an extension with Steve Ballmer and the #Clippers. Says they just haven’t completed paperwork. Doc Rivers will NOT coach the #Lakers.
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) March 20, 2019
More from #Clippers' Doc Rivers on #Lakers rumors – "Magic Johnson and I are very close friends. That's what we are, good friends. I have great respect for him. But Steve Ballmer and I have a great relationship."
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) March 20, 2019
Obviously, no head coach would say they are going to leave their current situation (especially if it involves a playoff berth) to go coach a team that does not have an open position, yet.
Nevertheless, going on record to debunk the rumors is a powerful statement, especially when added to Rivers disclosing his contract status with the Clippers. It seems pretty clear that the Lakers will have to look elsewhere for their lead man on the bench.
