NBA Rumors: LeBron James and his camp are reportedly making it known that the would like to replace Luke Walton, but will it actually happen?
The Los Angeles Lakers have, for the most part, exceeded expectations in year one under LeBron James. Before his injury, the team was a top 4 seed in the Western Conference and were well on their way to clinching a home-court first-round playoff series.
However, there have been whispers about Luke Walton‘s job numerous times this season. At times, it feels like he’s a firing waiting to happen. And when it comes to LeBron James and his camp, it’s generally a never-ending power structure. Sometimes, the head coach becomes a casualty in the process.
So far, though, it’s seemed that the team is sticking with Walton. For what it’s worth, though, in a conversation between Brian Windhorst and Jackie Macmullen, it was mentioned how LeBron’s camp has made it known that they want a new coach. You can read a transcribed version of it here.
This is not really groundbreaking or surprising news. Many have believed that LeBron would eventually bring in his own guy – whatever that means. Perhaps this is going to be another situation that we saw between him, David Blatt and eventually Tyronn Lue.
No matter what the spin is, LeBron and Blatt simply didn’t see eye-to-eye and it ended up with him returning overseas and Lue replacing him.
I don’t think it would be fair to call Luke Walton a lame duck head coach at this point, but would anyone really be surprised if that in fact was the case? The Lakers will make the playoffs, and probably win a series. But keep an eye on this storyline heading into the off-season.
I have a feeling we haven’t heard the last of this.