LeBron James: Lakers star has made it clear what head coach he wants brought in

The Lakers have been conducting interviews over the last few weeks for their vacant head coach position following Luke Walton’s departure.

Tyronn Lue and Monty Williams are seemingly the leading candidates, while Juwan Howard has also met with Lakers representatives.

Lue has the most experience of working with James, having spent two-and-a-half seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

They won the 2016 NBA title together, and Lue also began his NBA playing career at the Staples Center.

Williams meanwhile is currently the lead assistant coach at the Philadelphia 76ers, and they’re currently in the playoffs.

He hasn’t been a head coach since being let go by the New Orleans Pelicans back in 2015, but has built up an extensive CV over the past 14 years as a coach in the league.

Williams worked with James at the 2016 Summer Olympics for Team USA.

Howard meanwhile is an assistant coach for the Miami Heat, where he ended his playing career.

He too has a good relationship with James, having been a part of the Miami team that won two NBA titles back in 2012 and 2013.

But ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports the Lakers are aware that Lue is James’ first choice when it comes to who they pick as the new head coach.

“They’re choosing between Monty Williams, the 76ers assistant, and Ty Lue, the former Cavs coach,” he said on ESPN.

“There’s factions of support within the Lakers for both candidates.

“Ultimately there are a lot of voices in this process in ownership, senior management, GM Rob Pelinka and LeBron James.

“Certainly it is a factor in this search that LeBron James’ preference is with Ty Lue.

“They have history together, they won a championship together in Cleveland.

“But I’m being told LeBron has stayed out of this.

“He’s allowed the team to go out and hire who you guys want.

“But I think they know in the organisation that LeBron’s familiarity with Ty Lue is an advantage with him.”