Lakers Rumors: Luke Walton, LeBron James get along just fine
Recent Los Angeles Lakers rumors involve Luke Walton and LeBron James, as the two get along just fine according to Walton.
There have been plenty of Los Angeles Lakers rumors in recent weeks. A lot of them have been about the roster, as the Lakers were involved in trade talks with the New Orleans Pelicans for Anthony Davis. There have also been talks of the Lakers adding a player on the buyout market.
Thus far, Los Angeles has not yet used their open roster spot. Carmelo Anthony remains a free agent a name to keep an eye on. Other Lakers rumors involve Lakers’ head coach, Luke Walton.
Following a loss to the Atlanta Hawks, Walton’s seat began to heat up. The Lakers had wrapped up a six-game road trip with a 2-4 record, capped off with the embarrassing loss to the Hawks. There were multiple blowouts as well, as the Lakers struggled defensively.
Despite the disappointing road trip heading into the All-Star break, it was reported that Walton’s job was safe and that he wasn’t going anywhere. Despite the endorsement, it has been a bumpy road for Walton.
Early in the season, it was reported that Walton need to start winning games or else his job would be in jeopardy. Walton, who was hired by Mitch Kupchak and Jim Buss, was rumored to not fit the mold of the head coach that Magic Johnson wanted on the sidelines. There were even reports of potential replacements for Walton, with Jason Kidd leading the way.
The loudest whispers came when it was reported that James’ camp was pushing for a coaching change. That caused some commotion that James and Walton did not get along, adding more fuel to the fire from an early season report that said James was ignoring play calls Walton was making.
Despite all of those reports, Walton was unsure of any discord between him and his star player. When talking to TMZ Sports, Walton said that things between him and James are fine.
This should not come as a surprise. Even if there were issues between James and Walton, he would not discuss them publically.
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A lot of the issues this season with the Lakers is not Walton’s fault. Some of his lineups and substitutions can be questioned, but Walton can’t be blamed for the injuries the team has suffered.
James has missed 18 games. Lonzo Ball has missed 10 games. Brandon Ingram has missed 11, while Rajon Rondo has played in only 23. Unfortunately for the Lakers, a lot of those injuries piled up at once, which put them in a hole.
Walton also wasn’t the one offering everyone on the roster outside of LeBron James in trade talks for Anthony Davis. That negatively impacted the team in the games leading up to, and after, the trade deadline.
With only 25 games remaining in the season, the Lakers have their work cut out. It is imperative that Walton and James are on the same page as they will need to lead this team to a strong finish to make the postseason.
Right now, the Lakers are in 10th place in the Western Conference. They are three games behind the Los Angeles Clippers for the No. 8 spot and two games behind the Sacramento Kings, who are in ninth.
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It will not be easy, but the Lakers have the talent to make a late-season run to qualify for the postseason.