Despite speculation, it’s unlikely that Tyronn Lue or Jason Kidd will become the Lakers’ next head coach.

Darvin Ham has been dismissed as the Lakers’ coach, partly due to players not fully embracing his adjustments and teaching methods, and partly as a scapegoat for some questionable roster decisions made in recent years. Although GM Rob Pelinka addressed these issues as best he could, the effects were not entirely reversed. The Lakers have gone through six coaches in the 13 seasons since Phil Jackson’s departure, raising the question of who will step into one of the league’s most prestigious yet challenging roles next.

>>> Read More: Jalen Brunson has provided the Knicks with something they’ve been missing: optimism.

It’s unlikely to be Tyronn Lue or Jason Kidd, despite rumors suggesting otherwise. Both coaches are currently under contract for another year with their respective teams and are not expected to be let go. According to Marc Stein’s newsletter, both the Clippers and Mavericks are aiming to extend their coaches’ contracts beyond this season.

“As I’ve mentioned before, my intention is to stay here. Hopefully, we can make that happen,” Lue commented in response to questions about the Lakers rumors following the Clippers’ playoff exit against Kidd’s Mavericks. “I didn’t come here with the intention of moving around or going elsewhere. The Clippers’ owner and management have been fantastic to me. I have a strong relationship with them. I would love to remain here for the long term.”

According to reports from Stein, Kidd is anticipated to receive and accept a contract extension to continue coaching in Dallas alongside Luka Doncic and a competitive team.

Even if either coach were to express a desire to leave their current teams — which, to clarify, neither has done; this is purely hypothetical — the Clippers and Mavericks would still have them under contract and would be unlikely to release them to a conference rival. In theory, the Lakers could explore the option of trading for one of these coaches, but even if the Clippers or Mavericks entertained the idea, the asking price would likely be steep, potentially involving multiple first-round draft picks. Given the Lakers’ need to bolster their talent around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, those draft picks are more crucial for roster development than acquiring a coach.

One commonality between Lue and Kidd is their connection to LeBron James, who is expected to decline his $51.4 million option for the final year of his contract with the Lakers. The Lakers are eager to retain him, and it’s widely anticipated across the league that he will re-sign with them. Part of retaining James involves hiring a coach he approves of. Therefore, the leaking of Lue’s and Kidd’s names is not surprising; it signals that the Lakers are actively exploring options, even if those options may be unrealistic.

Additional candidates for the Lakers coaching position include former NBA head coaches such as Mike Budenholzer, who achieved a championship with the Bucks, and Kenny Atkinson. Undoubtedly, there will be more names in consideration.

However, it’s improbable for a team to readily relinquish their esteemed coach to the Lakers.