Despite a disastrous start to the season, the Los Angeles Clippers never considered firing head coach Tyronn Lue, according to President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank. The team, which sank to a 6-21 record, staged a remarkable mid-season turnaround to secure a winning record but ultimately fell short in the play-in tournament.
Frank, in his end-of-season press conference, emphatically stated that Lue's job was never in doubt and that he will be the team's coach "for a long, long time." He praised Lue's leadership and spirit during the team's toughest stretches.
Regarding star forward Kawhi Leonard, Frank was direct about the franchise's intentions. "Our plan is to win with Kawhi," he said, indicating the team will discuss a future plan with the 34-year-old star. Leonard, who is entering the final year of his contract, averaged a career-high 27.9 points this season.
The Clippers underwent a significant roster transformation at the trade deadline, acquiring younger talent like Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin. Frank believes the foundation, built around the partnership of Lue and Leonard, can return the team to championship contention.