Los Angeles Lakers: Luke Walton does not think about what season could have been

Los Angeles Lakers, Luke Walton (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers, Luke Walton (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

After a disappointing season for the Los Angeles Lakers, Luke Walton tries not to think about what it could have been.

Coming into the 2018-19 season, the Los Angeles Lakers had more expectations than we have seen in recent years. The addition of LeBron James in the offseason raised the level of expectations for the team, as they were getting one of the best players in the world.

However, the Lakers missed the playoffs once again this season, and it will be their sixth straight season on the outside looking in. While the Lakers didn’t make the playoffs, they certainly could have if things went right.

On Christmas Day, the Lakers were in fourth place in the Western Conference, and things were looking very promising for them. Unfortunately, the Lakers saw James go down with a groin injury on that day, and things began to spiral. If not for the major injury to James, this could have been a very different season for the Lakers.

Recently, Luke Walton spoke about the what-ifs for the Lakers this season. Here’s what he had to say via Matt Borelli of LakersNation.com.

"“The thought does cross my mind occasionally, but I don’t give it any power, any time,” Walton admitted. “It’s pointless to think about.”“The only thing that is worth spending time thinking on is what we can do better, how do we prepare for the next team, things that have to do with where we are right now. So, I just push that thought out and keep moving forward and stay present.”"

The injury to LeBron was certainly a big blow for the Lakers, but they also had a lot of other key players miss time this season. All of the injuries for the Lakers was too much to overcome in a tough Western Conference, and they will now be in the lottery instead of the playoffs.

For Walton, this season could very well be his last with the Lakers. While he couldn’t control players being out with injuries, he very well might be out as the coach. If the Lakers stayed healthy, they likely would have been a playoff team this season. Barring something very strange, the Lakers probably wouldn’t let go of Walton if the team made the playoffs.

With the season coming to a close, we will have to see what Walton’s fate is. In all likelihood, he will not be the coach of the Lakers next season.

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