Odds Suggest Luke Walton Will Survive Season with Lakers

• Luke Walton’s Lakers have struggled since he was named head coach.
• LeBron James’ injury plummeted the Lakers from fourth to 10th in the West.
• Will Walton remain with LA for the rest of the season?

Two summers ago, nabbing Luke Walton from the Warriors to coach the Lakers was considered a steal.

But now, just past the midway point of his third season, LA’s shiny prized possession is being reduced to rubble.

The Lakers just lost to the 19-win Hawks.

They are now 2.5 games out of a playoff spot. pic.twitter.com/xH5HDAdZWz

— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) February 13, 2019

Such is the expectation level when your development of a strong, young nucleus gets hijacked by the addition of the greatest player of this generation, and possibly all-time (more on that in a second).

But even though he wasn’t a hand-picked choice of leading men Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka, and the team is nowhere near the lofty expectations many had envisioned, it appears it’s Walton’s job till at least the end of the season.

Will Luke Walton Still Be Coach of the Lakers By the Final Game of the Season?

Jeannie Buss Backs Head Coach

Despite the Lakers limping into the All-Star break with a 28-29 record, which has them in 10th place in the West and 2.5 games behind the Sacramento Kings, Walton has friends in high places.

In terms of the Lakers organization, the highest places.

All indications continue to point to Jeanie Buss being fully supportive of Luke Walton.https://t.co/5PYVJFth6R pic.twitter.com/5acBL6Uln7

— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) February 14, 2019

When the controlling owner and president has the ability to supersede Johnson (which is reportedly the case), and even though Jason Kidd is favored to replace Luke Walton, it appears that his tenure is safe, no matter the criticism.

LaVar calls Luke Walton "the worst coach ever" for Lonzo and says he turned the PG "into a loser"

(via @DougandWolf987)https://t.co/w2dKNRF2k0 pic.twitter.com/yLLhZzNPXK

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 5, 2019

Perhaps Buss remembers how Walton was making progress with the young Lakers. Under his guidance, LA improved from 28 wins in Year 1 to 35 wins a season ago.

His biggest feat? Getting the kids to play some defense.

Lonzo Ball – Defensive Highlights (17/18)

For casuals who only look at shooting/scoring to determine if a player is good. pic.twitter.com/vYTqFzbziy

— david (@triedourbest) October 15, 2018

Having Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Kyle Kuzma as a young core was promising, and Walton’s style of play and impact could be felt. But, as we all know, things change rapidly with the arrival of LeBron James.

The King Accelerates the Timeline

Walton’s program was altered to fit the King. Wherever James goes, he is the system, forcing teams to adjust on the fly.

And when LeBron was healthy, things were excellent. On Christmas day, the Lakers were 19-13 and were in the midst of putting a hurt on the Warriors at Oracle. And then James hurt his groin.

LeBron James EXITS GAME with possible groin injury 😱😱 pic.twitter.com/zN66UJrLVk

— VERSACEBOYENT (@versaceboyent2) December 26, 2018

From there, things cratered. With James missing the most consecutive games to injury in his career, the Lakers dropped 11 of their next 17, skidding down the standings from fourth in the West to 10th.

1/29/19
Joel Embiid vs Lakers (30 min)

28 points (7-16 FG) (2 3’s) (12-15 FT)
11 rebounds 6 assists 1 block pic.twitter.com/HdATfLuHUs

— Jayhawks In The NBA (@NBA_Jayhawks) February 7, 2019

What was more concerning is that none of the other Lakers were able to make the leap. Instead, they looked more like the unshaped versions Walton inherited when he first started.

And when James returned, there were still issues with the head coach.

The LA Lakers got Lebron James back last night but lost another game. Head Coach Luke Walton was seen yelling at players in the locker room, which caused some veteran players to yell back. Is Walton on his way out in Los Angeles?

— Spooky Express (@SpookyExpress) February 3, 2019

What’s the Best Bet to Make?

If LeBron and the Lakers disintegrate into the ether coming out of All-Star Weekend (think something like dropping seven of eight), that could finally be the undoing of the head coach.

Lebron gets switched onto 6’1 guard and flips it to the corner for a contested 3. He’s either 1) checked out 2) actively trying to get Luke Walton fired 3)soft as charmin or 4)has a low basketball IQ. pic.twitter.com/tbp5R4VSlL

— K.L. Brown, CEO of Sweat Box (@sweatboxprogram) February 13, 2019

At that point, you’d have to assume James is going to let his lackluster play do the talking.

But I still think that any team with LeBron James will at least make the playoffs. If he’s healthy, the Lakers should make the postseason. And while that wasn’t enough for David Blatt to survive in Cleveland, it should be enough for Walton in LA.