Los Angeles could be eyeing two coaching replacements for Luke Walton.
The Lakers are "big fans" of Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle, according to a New York Times report. Former Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue could also receive strong consideration for the job, as he built a relationship with Lakers star LeBron James during their 2 1/2 years together in Cleveland.
Carlisle, however, appears to be out of reach for now. He reportedly received a salary increase and extension in mid-March that will keep him in Dallas through the 2022-23 season.
The Mavericks quietly restructured the contract of Coach Rick Carlisle before this season to extend his current deal by one year (through the 2022-23 season) and give him an undisclosed salary increase, league sources say
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) March 13, 2019
Lue, on the other hand, is expected to be available this summer.
It has been reported that the Lakers will "almost certainly" fire Walton after the 2018-19 season. He has led Los Angeles to a 93-144 record in his three years with the franchise.
Other names mentioned as possible replacements for Walton include the Clippers' Doc Rivers and Jason Kidd.
Los Angeles has been eliminated from playoff contention and currently sits in 11th in the Western Conference standings.
The Lakers have a 32-41 record and enter Tuesday having lost eight of their last 10 games. They will not appear in the postseason for the fifth consecutive season.
