Despite not publicly expressing support for their head coach in the wake of comments made by LaVar Ball this past weekend, the Lakers have “complete faith” in Luke Walton, a person with knowledge of the club’s thinking tells Sam Amick of USA Today. The same source tells Amick that the Lakers have no regrets about using the No. 2 overall pick in last year’s draft to select Lonzo Ball.
Speaking to ESPN in Lithuania, Lonzo Ball‘s father suggested over the weekend that Walton had lost his players’ confidence, but that assertion hasn’t been corroborated by any public or private sources in recent days. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported on Sunday that Walton’s job status was “not even a conversation” for the Lakers’ brass, and Amick’s report today further confirms that the franchise still envisions Walton as a potential long-term head coach.
According to Amick, the support for Walton goes all the way to ownership, though there has been silence from the front office and ownership since LaVar Ball spoke out. In a separate piece, Amick questions why the Lakers haven’t issued any public statements on the issue, noting that there would be a way to do it without mentioning LaVar or offending the Ball family.
With no comment from Magic Johnson or Rob Pelinka on the subject this week, rival coaches from around the NBA have jumped in to defend Walton and to rip ESPN for their handling of the elder Ball’s comments. Lakers players such as Kyle Kuzma have also endorsed Walton, with Kuzma telling reporters that he “loves” playing for the L.A. head coach.
“We stand by Luke,” Kuzma said on Monday. “I know the front office does.”
Walton is in the second year of a five-year contract worth a reported $25MM.
LaVar has managed to cause friction between management and his teammates, and unless Magic steps in and tells LaVar to stop or he’ll trade Lonzo, it’s only going to get worse.
Thankfully the people who made the BBB teeshirts are suiing LaVar to get paid, and the Better Business Bureau is reporting complaints about the BBB. Unfortunately this is the only way to deal with LaVar.
I didn’t hear about this lawsuit, if true that’s amazing. So much for being a “big baller” when he can’t pay his debts
Lonzo signed his contract, its time to put on your big boy shoes and shut your loudmouth father down out of your job. Magic just needs to tell him either control your family or you will be anywhere but LA and your play here or in college has not been impressive yet. Not sure what they would be able to get for him but my opinion the longer he plays his value will not increase. Package with Randle and Deng and see what you can get. Then spend $$$ next year and draft well.
I mean if we’re being honest the only people actually paying this most attention seems to be the media and fans. The Lakers have played better (against two terrible teams) the last few days and really this story has been more of a distraction than any actual friction amongst players and Luke Walton. I just wish we’d stop running these stories. I’m sure there’s many parents disgruntled with their child’s coach but don’t get an interview on it
It’s a business and the fans are the revenue so as a business man magic will step in once it hurts their future. I’d have to say it’s hurting their chances to land certain free agents for sure though
That’s not what LaVar said… let’s ask ESPN…
I think the fact that they even have to respond to this nut is sad. can they get his passport revoked?
I think President Trump would be more than glad to help!!
Sure he’d like to, but that’d be yet another unconstitutional act he’d commit
If I had a dollar for every NBA coach or exec who received “full confidence” and a pink slip in the same week…
Like Rick Carlisle said, Walton led the Warriors to 24 straight wins to start the season. No way would the Lakers fire Walton because that would be giving in to LaVar, and LaVar would be all over the media saying he should be their next coach!
What did he tell Steph and Klay? Shoot the ball? What did he tell the defense? Contest every shot? Lol it would be very easy to coach the Warriors to a good streak
Lakers should just put a hit out on Lavar and end this mess.
The lakers and Magic Johnson are spineless for not backing their coach. Maybe they’re siding with lavar and he’ll be the coach next year? Lavar needs to go and Johnson should grow a pair and tell him so. Lavar is a distraction and a nuisance. I hope neither of the other Ball kids find any success in the NBA