Los Angeles Lakers coach Luke Walton knew he would be walking into a rebuilding situation the moment he accepted the coaching position.
The team only won 17 games last season, and not only needed some roster changes, but a culture change itself.
One of the best ways to attack the situation was to first plan his strategy.
Walton will need to develop relationships, he will need veteran players to help him in the locker room, and one other thing in particular.
He has been getting a lot of advice from his friend, and retired legend Kobe Bryant about the team.
Bryant believes it will take patience in building a foundation that is set on being a champion.
Walton told Chris McGee of Time Warner Cable Sportsnet about Bryant’s support.
He's someone I've called multiple times since taking this job to pick his brain. He's someone I know will be there for me if I need him to be, so to have his support and encouragement in developing a young team, with the fans being patient with us is big.
Patience isn't something that fans in Los Angeles have long been used to, because the mentality has always been a championship standard.
It will afford Walton enough time to establish what he intends to do with the team, while not setting expectations too high too fast.
The best part for Walton is, Bryant will be there for him to help the Lakers even in retirement.
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