"Glaringly incompetent and embarrassing actions" - Analyst drops strong reaction to Lakers' Jeanie Buss' decision-making

LA Clippers coach Tyronn Lue reflected on the LA Lakers being stingy in 2019 coaching negotiations despite superstar forward LeBron James' recruitment efforts. According to The Volume's Jason Timpf, the Lakers' failure to secure Lue was a quintessential example of controlling owner and team president Jeanie Buss' incompetence.

After getting fired by the Cleveland Cavaliers early in the 2018-19 season, Lue was considered one of the league's most sought-after coaching candidates. Nevertheless, the Lakers reportedly offered the 2016 NBA championship coach a three-year, $18 million deal, well below his five-year, $35 million asking price.

On Friday's episode of "The Stephen A. Smith Show," Lue recounted being undervalued by LA, calling the franchise's offer a "slap in the face." He added that James called him after hearing the news, asking if there was any way he could help his ex-coach.

"He called me twice, (like), 'What do I (have) to do? You want this?'" Lue said (Timestamp: 29:19). "I said, 'No, I want them to respect me. I don't want to have to go to you to get my deal done. If they don't respect me like I should be respected, then it's okay.'"

On Wednesday, Timpf reacted to Lue's comments on X/Twitter. According to the analyst, Buss shortchanging Lue was one of the biggest lowlights of her ownership tenure.

"Just one of a few dozen glaringly incompetent and embarrassing actions or decisions made by Jeanie Buss & Co. since taking over," Timpf wrote.

Upon holding out, Lue signed a five-year deal with the Clippers in 2020 and has since furthered his reputation as one of the NBA's premier coaches. In May, he was rewarded with a five-year, $70 million contract extension.

Conversely, the Lakers have cycled through three coaches since their crosstown rivals hired Lue.

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Tyronn Lue says Jeanie Buss and Lakers lowballing him was a "blessing in disguise"

While Tyronn Lue didn't get the offer he coveted from the Lakers, he is satisfied with how his coaching career panned out.

Lue highlighted his close relationship with the Clippers' front office and ownership, noting that he has thoroughly enjoyed his time with the organization.

"I love my relationship with Lawrence Frank, Mark Hughes and Trent Redden. I love my relationship with Mr. (Steve) Ballmer, which has been great," Lue said. "So, really, for me, it was a blessing in disguise because I have built some great relationships coming to the Clippers. So, I'm happy to be here."

The Clippers (14-11) are 0.5 games ahead of the Lakers (13-11) despite playing the entire season without their top player, Kawhi Leonard (knee). Thus, the franchise appears to be getting its money's worth from Lue.

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