Following a win over the LA Clippers earlier this season, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James was asked about the new-look James Harden Clippers, and said they’re the Ty Lue Clippers.
Reporter: “What did you make of the new James Harden look Clippers?”
LeBron James: “They look great… You said James Harden Clippers? Nah, it’s the T-Lue Clippers.”
(via @TomerAzarly) pic.twitter.com/6oUEO88gYl
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 8, 2024
When asked about these comments before Monday morning’s practice, and if his relationship with James is different than his relationship with other players he has coached, Lue said, “Yeah for sure. That’s my guy. Had some great years in Cleveland together, won a championship, brought a championship to Cleveland, something that’s never been done in that organization.”
Lue continued, saying, “[James] has a lot of responsibility for my career as far as, first it was Doc [Rivers] who believed in me first and said I could coach when I didn’t think I would be a coach. And then LeBron, being able to coach him and being able to teach me on the fly being a young coach at 38 years old, and just having the trust and belief in me and just kind of helped me get better and better each year. And winning a championship kind of helped solidify my coaching career right out of the gate. We have a great bond. Even before I got to Cleveland we were really good friends and so that won’t change.”
The Clippers are set to face James and the Lakers on Tuesday night for the third time this season.