The pressure was mounted on Luke Walton when he was named the Los Angeles Lakers' head coach two years ago. After all, the Lakers are known worldwide for their winning culture. The Lakers expect Walton to turn the team from a bottom feeder to a playoff contender quickly. This offseason, it seems that more weight was placed on Walton's shoulder after LeBron James — the best basketball player in the world — decided to suit up for the purple and gold. Former teammate, Laker great, and a personality familiar with the matter gave out some advice — Kobe Bryant.

Per ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, Bryant handed a great tip to his former teammate. Plucking out some stuff they learned from former coach Phil Jackson, Bryant shared:

Kobe Bryant would tell him that the key to coaching James is to be willing to listen and work with him — but also, as Phil Jackson had done with Bryant, to “know what's really important to you as a coach” and stick to it.

Article Continues Below
More NBA News
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.
Lakers’ Luka Doncic makes mind-blowing admission about LeBron JamesTroy Finnegan ·
Air Jordan 1 Low, Travis Scott, Fragment, Air Jordan 1 Low Fragment release
Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low x Fragment release detailsDominik Zawartko ·
In the middle is Paul George in Thunder jersey and Paul George in Pacers jersey. On the side of Thunder's George is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. On the Pacers' George side is Tyrse Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard.
How Pacers-Thunder NBA Finals traces back to Paul George tradesBailey Bassett ·
Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) shoots the ball while Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Pistons rumors: Myles Turner, Naz Reid on radar, but there’s a catchPreston Byers ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) defends on the court in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers rumors: Rival exec makes ‘no doubt’ Bronny James predictionJackson Stone ·
Nike Air Bakin, Nike Air Bakin release, Tim Hardaway
Nike Air Bakin OG returning Spring 2026Dominik Zawartko ·

Walton, 38 years old, has been the Lakers' coach for two years now. While he is relatively young, his experience and basketball IQ is well-beyond his years. For the past season, he's been used to talking to the likes of Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram — players in their early 20s. The only asset they hold is their latent potential. The lessons will come from Walton himself. To establish his authority is a relatively easy task.

But with James — a player of superior basketball IQ and commanding presence — things will be a lot different in Walton's third year as head coach. That's why Bryant's last piece of advice is key. It is true that James is the best player in the world. He may know a thing or two more about the game than Walton. But at the end of the day, he is the coach of the team.