November 4, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors interim head coach Luke Walton (left) instructs guard
(30, center) and guard
(11) before the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Clippers 112-108. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
2. The Value of Success
This is a bit abstract in terms of it’s meaning to the Lakers, but there’s something inherently valuable about having a head coach who knows what it takes to be successful in the NBA. Despite his youth and relative inexperience as a coach, there’s no denying Walton’s pedigree when it comes to the success that he has enjoyed in a number of ways in the NBA.
For one, he’s had success in Los Angeles before, albeit as a player. He was a member of two championship teams alongside Kobe and Pau Gasol and, while Walton certainly wasn’t the most integral part of those teams, that means something. Not only would it give hope to the fans to see a former player who won titles as part of the organization previously at the helm, but it’s also the experience of seeing what top-level NBA basketball looks like and understanding from a player’s perspective what it takes to win an NBA title.
Moreover, his success with the Warriors can’t be understated. Not only has he done a tremendous job in the 2015-16 season as the interim head coach in Golden State, but he was also on the bench last season when the Warriors reached the pinnacle of the league and won the title. So not only is he bringing the valuable perspective of what it takes as a player to win a championship in this league, but he also is keen on what it takes as a coach to do the same.
Next: No. 1 Relation to Young Talent