The Lakers enter play on Sunday losers of their last nine games and owners of the worst record in the Western Conference at 11-27. The outspoken LaVar Ball, father of Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball, voiced his opinion recently that head coach Luke Walton has lost the team’s confidence and that he needs to be replaced.
Walton, who is in his second season as head coach, spoke to reporters, including Bill Oram of the Orange County Register (via Twitter), and addressed Ball’s comments. Despite Ball’s criticism, Walton said he knows the organization is on his side.
“I know they have my back,” Walton said. “My concerns are coaching our team, prepping for games, and working with what gives us the best chance to win. I know our front office and organization has my back and they will do whatever they have to do on their end of it. I’m not spending my time trying to figure out what they’re all doing about it. I just know they’ll take care of it.”
Ramona Shelburne of ESPN tweets that Walton’s job status is “not even a conversation.”
This is not the first time Walton has had to address comments from his rookie’s father. In late November, Ball said that the Lakers do not know how to coach his son and that he is the only one who can do it effectively. While Walton called the situation “not ideal” for the team, he said it does not bother him as long as his relationship with the Lakers’ starting point guard is not impacted.
“I’m fine with it, it doesn’t bother me,” he said. “My only concern with any of it is for Zo. As long as Zo is fine with it and Zo can come in and play and it doesn’t affect mine and his relationship, then it doesn’t bother me at all.”
Shortly after Walton spoke, Lonzo addressed his father’s comments and disagreed with the assessment that Walton has lost the team’s confidence (via Bill Oram on Twitter). When asked about his relationship with the head coach and if he likes Walton, Lonzo said he would “play for anybody.”
Moving forward, the outspoken elder Ball figures to create more headlines with his vocal opinions of his son, the Lakers franchise, and the current head coach. Walton was asked if he’s worried that Ball’s criticisms may influence the Lakers’ decisions in the future.
“I would hope not,” Walton said.
LaVar should go to Lithuania with his kids. And stay there.
Walton’s gotta go! Hey magic hey Pelinka
You want two max free agents spoiler alert
fire walton!!
It ain’t Walton. None of these players are consistent. Including Kuzma
They’re a young team with no true leader / veteran, including Walton. He is still learning his ways. They need more time. What is the rush anyways?
Lakers are tanking despite trying not to tank…the Celtics appreciate the efforts to give them a high lottery pick!
Kuzma said it himself that he feels more like an all around player playing the 4. Meaning start him permanently there and trade Julius and Lopez for Noel and Matthews.
Lopez is coming off the books this coming summer, the point is to get rid of the logjam. Do not re-sign KCP.
That’s a terrible deal for the Lakers. Matthews still has another year at $18m left and Noel is a free agent. That would block some necessary cap space if the Lakers attempt to pursue two max free agents. I also doubt Dallas moves Noel unless they really believe that the relationship is beyond repair.
I thought Lavar was starting a new league or something. Too bad he’s only good for coaching his sons; that won’t be good for Zo’s career; nobody’s going to hire Special Coach Lavar. I think he got bored with damaging the careers of the sons that haven’t escaped him yet, and is reaching for the one that did.