The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly widely expected to fire head coach Luke Walton after the season ends, according to Marc Stein of the New York Times.

The Lakers are reportedly big fans of Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle.

The Mavs, however, extended Carlisle's contract before the 2018-19 season started, so Los Angeles won't be getting him.

I’m told that the Lakers, who are widely expected to dismiss the beleaguered Luke Walton at season’s end, are also big fans of Dallas’ Rick Carlisle.

Luke Walton joined the Lakers back in 2016. The first season of the LeBron James era didn't go as planned, as Los Angeles is going to miss the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season.

President of Basketball Operations Magic Johnson and Walton had a heated meeting earlier in the season where Johnson chastised Walton for the team's sluggish start to the season.

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Not all the blame can go on Walton for Los Angeles' putrid season, though.

LeBron's groin injury which he suffered on Christmas Day was huge. The Lakers were in the fourth spot in the Western Conference standings before James went down.

Magic and general manager Rob Pelinka need to be held accountable for the roster they gave Walton.

After LeBron signed with the Purple and Gold, Johnson and Pelinka signed Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson and Michael Beasley, three players who don't fit next to James.