Los Angeles Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank is on track to receive a contract extension despite the team’s 6-16 start to the season, according to multiple league sources. The extensions for Frank and his associates have been in the planning stages for some time, sources said.
Owner Steve Ballmer and the Clippers organization remain committed to continuity amid a season plagued by injuries, roster upheaval, and an ongoing NBA investigation. The team released veteran point guard Chris Paul on Wednesday, the latest crisis in a disastrous campaign that has seen the franchise spiral.
Clippers sources emphasized ownership’s commitment to continuity but characterized contract extension discussions as “premature.” One league source said the extensions “have been in the planning stages for a while. It hasn’t happened yet, but it will.”
Frank expressed strong support for head coach Tyronn Lue, calling him “my partner” and “one hell of a coach.” He stated Lue would “continue to be the coach here for a long time.”
The Clippers have endured significant setbacks beyond their losing record. The NBA is investigating allegations the team circumvented the salary cap through a sponsorship arrangement with Kawhi Leonard and former team sponsor Aspiration.
“Right now we’re playing bad basketball on both ends. We’re a bad basketball team,” Frank said.
Bradley Beal suffered a season-ending hip injury on November 8 after joining the team via trade. Leonard missed 10 games with a foot sprain, during which the Clippers went 1-9. The team went 2-13 in November and currently sits 10 games below .500.
The Clippers rank 19th in offense and 24th in defense despite carrying the league’s ninth-highest payroll and oldest roster. They don’t own their 2026 first-round pick, eliminating any draft lottery incentive.
“It’s been hard,” Lue admitted. “I’ve never had a losing season (as a coach) and a few guys in the locker room never had losing seasons. It’s been tough trying to figure it out.”