Rambis Decides to Stay a Laker

Scratch another name off the list of candidates to fill the Clippers’ vacant coaching position.

Kurt Rambis on Thursday decided to remain an assistant coach with the Lakers instead of trying to work out a deal with the Clippers. That came after Paul Westphal had jumped at the opportunity to go to Seattle and George Karl took over in Milwaukee.

“I don’t know if [the Clippers] would have waited . . . but it got to the point that I felt that I had to make a decision today,” said Rambis, also a candidate for the head coaching position with the Sacramento Kings.

“It’s better for all of the parties involved. . . . I didn’t want to drag it on, especially since we don’t know what is going to happen with the lockout.”

The Clippers, who have not publicly discussed their coaching search during the off-season, deny offering the position to Rambis but acknowledge having discussions.

“We have had a couple of conversations with Kurt Rambis,” said Joe Safety, Clipper vice president of communications. “Those talks did not go beyond the most informal level, in light of the fact that his interest was always presented to us in the context that he had other options.”

Rambis said one reason for his decision was that he thought the timing was not right for him to become a head coach.

“I’m happy with my job. I’m happy working with the Lakers and I’m happy working with [Coach] Del [Harris],” Rambis said. “It was a very good experience for me dealing with the Clippers and the Kings, but at this point of time, the best thing for me is staying put and getting another year of [coaching] experience.

“There were a lot of factors that came into play. There just were more pros than cons telling me to stay where I was. . . . [But] I absolutely still want to be a head coach one day.”

The Clippers aren’t saying who remains on their list, though indications are they are going to take their time in making the decision.

NBA assistants Scott Skiles, Paul Silas and Rick Carlisle have been associated with every head coach opening this summer but reportedly are not high on the Clippers’ list to replace Bill Fitch, who was fired after the season.

“There wasn’t anything bad about the [negotiations],” Rambis said. “We just didn’t come to an agreement and it’s best for me to stay with the Lakers.”