The Lakers are off to a disappointing 3-5 start which has called head coach Luke Walton‘s job security into question. After the team defeated the Mavericks on Wednesday, team president Magic Johnson reportedly “admonished” Walton for the team’s poor start and lack of identity as a team.
Walton downplayed the ESPN report of his meeting with Johnson, indicating that he is in constant communication with the front office about improving the team. Instead, Walton focused on the team’s ability to play the best team’s in the NBA competitively, per Kyle Goon of the Orange County Register.
“We’ve been saying since the beginning, we’re gonna to be patient — we know where we’re going and how to get there,” Walton said. “It takes time and takes hard work. Our guys work extremely hard, we’ve had a couple setbacks with some suspensions. But we’ve played some good teams and had a chance to win a lot of those games.”
Walton, in his second year as Lakers head coach, added that his job security is not a concern at this juncture.
“I feel like I have a great relationship with management,” Walton said.
Check out more Lakers notes below:
- As the Wizards’ horrendous start to the season continues, it remains to be seen how Washington handles the situation. If the team does decide to break up the core, a potential trade of Bradley Beal to the Lakers makes sense, Bryan Kalbrosky of HoopsHype outlines. The 25-year-old sharpshooter would give the Lakers a lethal threat from beyond the arc the current roster lacks and would likely improve from playing alongside LeBron James.
- As the Lakers continue to find consistency, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin and Ohm Youngmisuk examine how Los Angeles can improve. Among the suggestions for the 3-5 squad is playing better late in games, getting creative with lineups, showing improvements in rebounding and avoiding foul trouble.
Ingram will be traded. He’s shown no improvement including his shooting! Another bust like d Russell!
Ain’t nothing wrong with Ingram he’s just a victim of the LeBron system now.
Well Lonzo is a bust so far—something Magic would like people to not notice. The club’s shortcomings have more to dm with Magic than Walton.
Ingram’s the bust! Zero aggression. He’s already peaked. He’s soft gotta go!!
The Mavericks should make a play for Beal. They can offer dsj, Matthews (expiring contract) and a 2nd round pick. He is much better of a pair for Doncic than Smith is. That would also give them an in house replacement who is young and getting better for wall if they are going full rebuild.
So Wall and Dennis in the same backcourt?
Beal on the Lakers? If the Lakers give me Ingram they and Mykalouk they could have Beal.
Beal for butler
I love Bradley Beal I think he’s an excellent player. He is so under the radar that in the right situation he will be a major stud.