Los Angeles Lakers: 3 things the losing streak taught us
By Eric Magana
2. Luke Walton is the right coach
Honestly, Luke Walton is a trooper and a poised gentleman. While enduring many questions during the slump, the Lakers coach didn’t lose his composure. Then came his biggest test during the losing streak. No, not losing games and not worrying over injuries. It was, in fact, the Lakers’ biggest headache this season: LaVar Ball and his mouth.
While away in Lithuania, LaVar felt the need to express his displeasure over Walton and his coaching. Nothing new there. After all, this is the same father who has basically questioned every coach his boys have played for. However, this is the Los Angeles Lakers we’re talking about. This is the NBA. Any coach better be ready to take and handle criticism from all angles. And Luke Walton has done just that.
Even more proof that he’s the right guy, his players stand behind him. Also, let’s not forget, this is the same Luke Walton that had no issue coaching the Warriors when Steve Kerr missed time. The same Luke Walton who spent time next to the “Zen” master Phil Jackson during his final years as a Laker. In other words, Walton is prepared to handle the rigors of head coaching.