The 35-year-old has done a remarkable job filling in for Steve Kerr, who hasn’t coached this season because of health issues that required surgery to fix an ailing back — but it hasn’t mattered, despite the lack of experience on the bench and with the handling of players.
NY Knicks President of Basketball Operations and former head coach Phil Jackson isn’t surprised. In a recent interview he said, “It’s no fluke that Luke is the right guy at the right time,” but one now has to wonder, will this lead to a new position for the 2016-17 season, and where?
Josh Martin of Bleacher Report has completed an excellent article on the subject and has several possibilities, but the most intriguing option is the team that took him in the second round of the 2003 NBA Draft, the LA Lakers.
Los Angeles has struggled over the last three years and it’s not any better in Kobe Bryant’s final year of play, but with a cast of youngsters and the money to add some big names over the next two years, more than just a coaching change could occur for the ‘purple and gold’.
At this time there are no reports of the team losing interest in Byron Scott, but losing basketball games and the faith of the players could change that tune quickly. Scott hasn’t done much with the team and the young players aren’t playing with much confidence, leading many to wonder if he’ll be around next year.
Walton has helped Golden State with player development and has the background to make players believe. His inexperience actually helps as his work ethic off the court is contagious and for a team like the LA Lakers that could use a total rebuild, finding the right coach could lead the former fan favorite back to Southern California.
