Lakers rumors: Three ways LA can still make playoffs

Aggressive coaching

Letting the Lakers just be themselves isn’t going to fly with everyone forever.

Admittedly, Luke Walton has been the majority of the obvious missing link for Los Angeles. He’s given them confidence in themselves and as a result the chemistry seems to be on another level.

At least from the outside looking in.

However, one thing that Byron Scott did do better than Luke Walton is be hard on his players.

Scott was arguably too tough, especially on D’Angelo Russell, but there’s a fine line between that approach and the more lax approach that Walton applies.

If someone isn’t producing on the floor, whether off the bench or in the starting lineup, Walton needs to be sure to handle it appropriately and consistently.

During Scott’s tenure, nothing could’ve been more obvious than the favor handed to Kobe Bryant.

Walton can’t afford to be playing favorites.

Giving minutes to players making a difference for the team is what needs to be their first priority.