The Los Angeles Lakers are going to have to make a decision!
No not the statement to the media. A real decision on the direction of this franchise. This is going to fall on the Lakers front office. There is a real disconnect between ownership and the front office. It may not be intentional, but it is there.
Magic Johnson has made it clear that he wants his own coach. Jeanie Buss wants Luke Walton. Something has got to give. For these reasons.
One, you have to know that the players notice and they will play on it. Sure, the players love him. He’s definitely a players coach. But does he strike fear in anybody? He may know the game and can send a message, but can he get the message across?
Two, this is wearing on Luke Walton. If he can demand fire and passion from Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram, where’s his? Players take on the identity of the coach. Think the Spurs have that problem? The Sixers? I could go on.
For the record, I am not a fan of Luke Walton. I think he is a good coach, just not in these types of circumstances and not for this team the way it is constructed. But for right now who is? That’s another issue altogether.
With a horrid loss at home to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Lakers are close to hitting rock bottom.
The question is…
Will a decision be made to stop the freefall? Then the question is…
Who will make it…Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka or Jeanie Buss?