Source: Lue near deal to join Clippers' staff

LOS ANGELES -- Tyronn Lue is close to a deal with the LA Clippers to become a top assistant coach on Doc Rivers' staff.

A source familiar with the situation confirmed to ESPN that Lue is nearing a deal to reunite with Rivers. The New York Times first reported that the Clippers are closing in on a contract with Lue.

Lue was a top candidate to become the Los Angeles Lakers' head coach until negotiations broke down earlier this summer. Lue wanted to coach LeBron James again -- the pair helped produce an NBA championship in Cleveland in 2016 -- but the coach and the Lakers could not agree on contract terms before the team ultimately decided to hire Frank Vogel.

Lue was fired as Cleveland's head coach six games into the 2018-19 season despite guiding the Cavaliers to three consecutive NBA Finals appearances. He had a 128-83 record in three-plus seasons in Cleveland.

Rivers has remained close with Lue, who was an assistant on Rivers' staff in Boston and with the Clippers before.