The Lakers fell below .500 for the first time since early November when they lost in Atlanta on Tuesday night, but the team isn’t considering the possibility of a coaching change, writes Broderick Turner of The Los Angeles Times.
According to Turner, there have been no internal discussions about the job status of Luke Walton, who still has the full support of the front office, including president of basketball operations Magic Johnson, general manager Rob Pelinka, and especially owner Jeanie Buss.
“Nothing is going to happen with Luke,” one source told Turner. “There hasn’t even been any talk about it and there won’t be any talks about it. Luke will definitely finish the season and he has the full support. So any talk in the media or on social media can be put to bed about Luke. He’s not going anywhere. There has been no conversation about it.”
While Walton won’t be replaced during the season, the Lakers still want to see him hold players “accountable” and make better in-game adjustments, Turner writes. One person with knowledge of the situation tells Turner that Johnson was at the game in Atlanta and didn’t like that the team played with “low energy.” Turner also cites potential concerns relating to “bad body language” and a possible “disconnect” between Walton and his players in Tuesday’s contest.
Although it sounds like Walton’s job is in no immediate danger, it’s certainly possible his future in Los Angeles will hinge on how the Lakers finish the season. At 28-29, the club is in 10th place in the Western Conference, 2.5 games behind the Kings (eighth) and Clippers (ninth).
If the Lakers are unable to make a late-season push and earn a playoff spot, I’d expect Walton’s seat to be much hotter a couple months from now.
This only means he’ll be fired next month.
For what reason and why. Why not wait till after the season. A late season fire would make no sense
1. “For what reason” and “why” mean the same thing and that really bugged me.
2. You missed the joke genius
Who cares what LeFlop thinks? He’s in the final quarter of his career, will sharply decline every single year, and will be completely irrelevant in 2.5-3 short years.
This was nothing but a gimmick signing to fill seats. The funniest are the fans that think LeFlop is the GOAT? Lol. He doesn’t even crack my top 5, all-time.
Sure, Magic Johnson, Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss support him, but what about the #1 Super Duper Head Coach GM Consultant LeBron??
Whether he’s to blame or not for the Lakers’ debacle, Walton will ultimately be the fall guy. LeBron needs HIS guy in charge – someone who can manage the dynamic personalities that are on the roster now – and after free agency.
“who still has the full support of the front office…”
Didn’t see LeBron’s name included, job NOT safe.
Can’t wait to see whose fault it is when the Lakers don’t make the playoffs
LeBron’s groin.
Read Jeanie Buss is the one who likes Walton. That’s funny. LeBron’s camp wants Luke fired, but can’t because Phil Jackson’s longtime fiancee likes him. I like Jeanie after she stood up to her brothers and now she’s standing up to LeBron’s camp.
Don’t worry Lakers fans, Magic is already on the phone via ‘back-channels’ talking to coach Bud, Brad, Nate & Malone a to gauge their interest. Just a friendly chat to see if they are really happy with their current situation. It’s his m.o. …………… but it’s not TAMPERING!
Jeff Fisher has already said he’s interested in the coaching job and is speaking out.
Urban Meyer is looking for a new gig, too!
think the social media reference(s) are pertaining to one meddling loud mouth moron of father of a certain PG? heh
resign and coach a better run team.
If he gets fired after trying to coach a team with the talent management gave him this offseason the Lakers don’t deserve a good coach.
Have been a bit supporter of Luke but lately I’ve been really concerned his lack of ability to adapt to what other teams are doing in game and the fact that he really hasn’t figured out lineups that work well together yet after all this time. The fact that Ingram is still starting with LeBron healthy blows my mind when clearly he should stagger those two to play without eachother or very little time together. I like Ingram but he needs to come off the bench and I think he would do great in that role. I still am a fan of Luke but he needs to figure this out or I won’t blame them if he gets fired. If he does end up getting fired I’d like to see Shaw or Mark Jackson, think both guys would do well.
Mark Jackson, during a game, had a strong opinion about a recent trade (or non-trade) and darn if I forgot it. Anyway JVGundy was stunned in opposition and they were really disagreeing throughout the game. Point is, it’s like he’s setting on a different path than before, as if to coach again. Or else JVG stole the upper bunk ;)
Walton will finish the year, no guarantees after. James’ “camp” is RPaul and I doubt he matters on this call though. Already a lot of chefs. If anyone trumps others, it might be ADavis, who will be in a contract year next year and if acquired might be given some sway.
So I’ll throw Alvin Gentry’s hat into the ring. Fun fact, he has won 47% of reg-season games, and 57% of playoff games.
If I kept hearing stories about how safe my job was, and how those who would ultimately have to sign off on firing me are standing up for me, then I’d start looking for a new job (or at least have my resume ready to go). This sounds like the Lakers are setting things up to make a change at the end of the year if things don’t go as well as they hope. At this point, I think Luke will have to overachieve this year in order to keep this job next year.
Yup, exactamundo.
I agree. If people are talking about your potential firing, it’s time to exit — even if they’re “sticking up for you,” now. These situations usually don’t end well, and it always means there’s a behind the scenes tug-of-war going on. Some want you, some don’t.
Think lakers are trying to stink so there pick is higher and they can get davis with that plus? Sitting at 13 right now
Pretty much the ethics expected from such a corrupt organization.
Please. Buss and Walton are obviously involved romantically with each other. Body language and, well, actual language shows there is something between them. That said, Walton is the only laker worth anything, they would be stupid to fire him. Golden State would welcome him back with open arms.
Take him, keep him… whatever!
As long as lebum is there, there will be a disconnect between players and coaches. It’s how bron wants it to be, he wants to be in charge. And the players know he can hook them up with contracts/money so they will always side with him. bron has been a cancer to every organization he has EVER been at.