Lakers Offseason: Luke Walton Introductory Press Conference

With the Golden State Warriors’ defeat in the NBA Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers were officially able to get their head coach in Luke Walton

Let’s get one thing straight, Luke Walton is not the savior to all of the Los Angeles Lakers’ problems, though he will play a big part in just how quickly the team will rebuild.

Looking down the roster, the team currently only has six players under contract — D’Angelo Russell, Lou Williams, Nick Young, Julius Randle, Anthony Brown, Larry Nance Jr.  Add Jordan Clarkson, Tarik Black, Brandon Ingram and the 32nd pick to the mix and you still have a series of holes that need to be filled.

Just a few days ago, Coach Walton discussed this issue precisely saying,

"One thing is certain. Walton wants character. It’s been instilled in him since his Arizona days.“So I do think a big reason for our success up here [at Golden State] is the character of the players we have…When you’re looking to sign free agents and draft picks, it’s not just about talent and physical attributes. You have to take into consideration their character, as far as being unselfish.”"

Walton voiced similar sentiments in his introductory press conference Tuesday afternoon saying, he wants players who “show the right way to do things” and you want them “around your young talent.”

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That said, he also said with the type of money they have, they also want All-Star caliber players to surround their young core with.

Fans should be ecstatic to know that Luke is “excited” to be home.

"I’m so excited to get after it here. I think we’re in an exciting time. We have extremely talented young players. We have a ton of money to spend in free agency. We have draft picks this year.The fact that Mitch and Jimmy Buss and the Buss family trusted me in being part of this rebuilding post-Kobe era just means the world to me and I couldn’t be more excited for this opportunity."

Talking about everything from the young core to the departure of Kobe Bryant to what he’s learned from Steve Kerr up in Oakland, the most exciting piece of information was what Walton said about the style of basketball he wants the team to play: We’re “going to play a brand of basketball that the LA fans will appreciate.”

The young players seem to share in the joy of what a new coach and fresh start will bring them with D’Angelo Russell leading the charge.

Russell talked about his short relationship with his new coach: “Man, I’ve bugged that guy so much.”

Next: Brandon Ingram's Incredible Journey to the NBA

With Luke Walton at the helm, the future truly looks bright for the Purple and Gold.