HEADLINE

Report: Lakers to interview Lue, Williams second time

Field Level Media

April 20, 2019 at 3:12 pm.

The Los Angeles Lakers will bring in both Tyronn Lue and Monty Williams for second interviews next week, according to a Los Angeles Times report.

Lue, the former Cleveland Cavaliers coach, interviewed with general manager Rob Pelinka on Friday, while Philadelphia assistant Williams interviewed earlier in the week. Unlike those interviews, team owner Jeanie Buss is expected to be on hand for the follow-ups.

The Lakers fired coach Luke Walton last week after three seasons and a 98-148 record.

Lue, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Boston Celtics, L.A. Clippers and Cavaliers, became head coach in Cleveland during the 2015-16 season after David Blatt was fired.

The Cavaliers won their first NBA title that season and reached the NBA Finals the next two years, losing to Golden State.

With LeBron James departed for the Lakers, the Cavaliers started the 2018-19 season at 0-6 and Lue was fired. Lue, who turns 42 next month, had a 128-83 record with Cleveland.

After spending the previous two seasons in the San Antonio Spurs’ front office following the 2016 death of his wife, Ingrid, Williams got back into coaching as Brett Brown’s top assistant with the 76ers.

Williams previously was head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans from 2010-15, compiling a 173-221 record. His teams reached the playoffs in his first season (2010-11) and his last (2014-15).

He also was an assistant with the Portland Trail Blazers and later, the Oklahoma City Thunder. He left the latter as associate head coach in the aftermath of his wife’s death and relocated with his children to San Antonio, where his extended family lives.

Miami Heat assistant Juwan Howard, a former teammate of James in Miami, also is expected to get an initial interview this week.

The Lakers have missed the playoffs the past six seasons.