Los Angeles Lakers: Why Luke Walton isn't on the hot seat

Los Angeles Lakers: Why Luke Walton isn’t on the hot seat

By Jason Reed | Nov 1, 2018

PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 24: Head coach Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers watches from the bench during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 24, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 131-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. The Los Angeles Lakers haven’t had the easiest of opponents

Something that is widely understated through eight games thus far for the Los Angeles Lakers is the tough games that the team has already had to play this season. While the Lakers have not yet played the Golden State Warriors, the first eight games have been no cakewalk.

The Lakers have faced the Houston Rockets, the Denver Nuggets, the San Antonio Spurs twice and the Minnesota Timberwolves. All four of those teams are likely going to be in the playoffs this season.

The Lakers have won one of the five games against those opponents, defeating the Denver Nuggets. And while it would have been nice to see the Lakers win at least one more, it is not the end of the world that they didn’t.

The Rockets are the Rockets, the Spurs are a great-coached playoff team that added a top-three shooting guard in the league and the Timberwolves are an extremely talented team that is has a fire in Jimmy Butler lighting the team up.

Meanwhile, the games the Lakers should have won against the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks the team has won.

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