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Los Angeles Lakers: Two traits the new head coach must have

By Jason Reed

PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 24: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with head coach Luke Walton during 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: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with head coach Luke Walton during 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. The ability to keep LeBron James (and other stars) at bay

Perhaps one of the most difficult parts of Luke Walton’s job this season was coaching a team that has LeBron James on it. The media tornado that follows James wherever he goes is insane and does have an impact on the team, locker room and the coaching.

Not all of this is necessarily James’ fault, either. While he does deserve some of the blame, part of it is what comes along with being the most polarizing American athlete in the world.

However, he still is not perfect. James is known to disconnect himself from situations the second it goes sour and can be imposing with his presence. It is up to the head coach to keep that at bay and try and make things about the Lakers, not about LeBron James.

Ty Lue instantly jumps out as he won a title in Cleveland with LeBron and has a really good relationship with James. If anyone knows how to push James’ buttons while also not allowing him to overstep his boundaries it is Lue.

However, Williams has also dealt with the superstar tandem of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid and even got to coach Jimmy Butler this season.

This was something that Walton was never good at and more often than not the head coach became a bit of an afterthought, which led to this separation.

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