Luke Walton On The Hot Seat?

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/25158926/luke-walton-los-angeles-lakers-coach-says-great-relationship-team-management-magic-johnson

Adrian Wojnarowski and Dave McMenamin

In a meeting on Tuesday, following a winless two-game trip, Los Angeles Lakers president Magic Johnson admonished coach Luke Walton for the team's sluggish start to the season, league sources told ESPN.

Johnson's cutting appraisal elevated an already acute awareness within the Lakers coaching staff that there are intense and immediate pressures on Walton to deliver the franchise a winner in short order.

Despite Johnson's prior proclamations of needing to allow time for Walton to develop a young roster surrounding four-time MVP LeBron James, evidence is mounting that Walton's job security ultimately depends upon his ability to significantly improve upon a 3-5 record to start the season.

Johnson's aggressive meeting tone circulated to individuals throughout the organization, including to principal owner Jeanie Buss, league sources said. Throughout his tenure with the Lakers, Johnson has earned an internal reputation for an oftentimes volatile management style, including with his handling of Walton and the coaching staff, sources said.

Buss' support for Walton has remained unwavering since Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka assumed command of basketball operations in 2017.

Walton was hired by her brother, Jim Buss, and ex-general manager Mitch Kupchak less than a year before Johnson and Pelinka took over.

One of the greatest players in the history of the game, Johnson's business interests often lead him to be traveling away from the team. Johnson relies on Pelinka to run the day-to-day basketball operations and offer reports and analysis up to him.

MY COMMENTS

Well that didn't take long.

Magic is the architect of this team. Remember when Magic tried his hand at coaching? Not an easy job was it.

Magic knew it was going to take time before the team was playing well and indicated such which rightfully set expectations for the team.

If the article is accurate it sounds like he wants to win now. There is nothing wrong with that except the fact that LAL does not have the type of roster to win now and it contradicts his public statements.

LAL are 3rd in scoring at 121 PPG but they are giving up 121.3 PPG There record is 3-5.

Their problem begins and ends on the defensive side of the ball.

Walton deserves a chance to work with this team to figure out who plays best together and how they can improve their defense. This all sounds way too political for me because Walton is a runner on base that was put there by the pitcher who is no longer in the game.

I think they can get to .500 but that may not secure the 8th spot.