The Los Angeles Lakers are off to a rocky start in LeBron James' first year and the criticism is mostly directed at Luke Walton. The Lakers head coach had a contentious meeting with Magic Johnson, but the Lakers brass assures the world that Walton's job is safe.
Former Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson didn't hold back when discussing Luke Walton's job so far this season. Normally, former coaches won't be so harsh on their colleagues. There's a sort of fraternity between NBA coaches, but Jackson felt free to voice his opinion all the same. (via Anthony Irwin of Silver Screen & Roll):
“MIKE BREEN: Of course the story about Magic Johnson being quite harsh with Luke on the team — let’s get the team playing better. But they’re 4-6, okay. One of their key players was suspended four games — Ingram. Rondo, three-game suspension. Lonzo Ball had restrictions early when he first came back. They’re learning to play with each other. This lack of patience is out of hand.
MARK JACKSON: They played bad, Mike.
MB: Okay, granted — …
MJ: And that’s just the way it is in the league today. The expectations when you get the best player in the world. Luke Walton was well-aware of it, and he’s an outstanding coach. But the expectations came along with signing LeBron James. This team has got to play better.
MB: Again, the same thing happened when James went to Miami — when he first went to Miami. They started slowly, and then wind up winning a couple of titles. Same thing when he went back to Cleveland, their first start, and then they go to the finals.
MJ: And guess what: There was rumors about (a) head coaching replacement in Miami. In Cleveland, there was a change. It comes with the territory. Now, if you’re Luke Walton, the expectation is: ‘Let’s fight through this and I’ll be wearing jewelry at the end as the head coach of this basketball team.’ But Magic Johnson has done nothing but win his entire life.”
It's easy to give credit to Jackson for voicing his opinion honestly, but this exchange does feel different when you consider the fact that Jackson could be a potential candidate for the position if Walton is fired. Jackson has a close relationship with Magic Johnson and he's a representative of LeBron James' Klutch Sports.
That entanglement makes Jackson's comments come off much differently than it would if this were another former coach turned analyst.
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