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Doc Rivers shoots down Lakers talk, says he has extension with Clippers

Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Doc Rivers has put to bed any questions surrounding an offseason departure from the Los Angeles Clippers, telling reporters he and team owner Steve Ballmer have agreed to a contract extension.

"This is a great place to work," Rivers said, via the L.A. Times' Dan Woike.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Rivers and Ballmer agreed to a shorter extension last summer that included an opt-out after this season. However, Rivers said Tuesday that's been replaced with a long-term deal.

"This coach has chosen to stay where he's at and he's very happy about that," Rivers added, according to The Athletic's Jovan Buha.

Questions about Rivers' future arose after a weekend report from veteran NBA journalist Peter Vecsey asserted Rivers had an "ardent ambition" to coach the Los Angeles Lakers. Current Lakers coach Luke Walton is widely rumored to be a candidate for termination after the season.

Rivers has coached the Clippers since 2013, compiling an 887-654 record going into Tuesday. He also served as president of basketball operations for three seasons before ceding those duties to Lawrence Frank in 2017.

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