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

By Jason Reed

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)
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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. The team’s slow start is because of several slow starts on the roster

Luke Walton absolutely has a big impact on how a game turns out and whether or not the Los Angeles Lakers lose; if he didn’t there would be no point of even having head coaches in the NBA any longer.

However, just because the team is not winning as many games as expected does not make it Walton’s fault. There are certain areas where the head coach can improve but Walton cannot literally go out there and shoot the ball for guys that cannot find their stroke.

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So while it has not been pretty for the Los Angeles Lakers thus far, it cannot be solely placed on Walton. Several different players have had slow starts to the season, including the center of the franchise, LeBron James.

From a box score standpoint, James has had a decent showing thus far this season. However, when you pick it apart, he has been pretty bad in some areas as well, most noticeably three-point shooting.

LeBron’s two three-point shots moved his three-point shooting percentage from 24.4 percent to 27.9 percent this season.

That is criminally low for James, who will not be at that percentage all season long. This is simply a slow start that will eventually even itself out.

And let’s not forget that the team had to deal with the suspension of Brandon Ingram and Rajon Rondo. Even when he is on the court, Ingram has been good, not great, although he has plenty of time to turn into that true number two star.

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These are things that begin to even themselves out as the season goes along and the balance of the NBA is restored. Not only is it way too early to consider firing Walton, but it is also way too nearsighted.

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