Luke Walton’s job does not currently appear to be in jeopardy.
The third-year Lakers coach was reportedly criticized by president Magic Johnson for the team’s mediocre start to the season in a meeting last week. But, Johnson told the Los Angeles Times the discussion had nothing to do with Walton’s job security and he’ll finish the season as the Lakers coach "unless something drastic happens, which it won't."
“I said it, Luke took it and we’re all good,” Johnson told the Times.
In a conversation with me, @BA_Turner and @BillPlaschke, Magic Johnson said his contentious meeting with Luke Walton had no bearing on Walton’s job security. “I said it, Luke took it and we’re all good,” Johnson said. Johnson assured us Walton will finish the year.
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) November 5, 2018
In a jconversation with me, @taniaganguli and @BA_Turner tonight, Magic Johnson said Luke Walton's job is safe -- "He is going to finish the season, unless something drastic happens, which it won't.''
— Bill Plaschke (@BillPlaschke) November 5, 2018
The Lakers opened 2018-19 with a 2-5 record, but enter play Sunday on a two-game winning streak. Los Angeles star LeBron James defended Walton when he met with reporters after the team’s 114-110 win over the Trail Blazers this weekend.
“Listen, coaching staff put us in a position to win, and it's up to us to go up and execute,” James said (via ESPN).
"Luke can care less about what's going on outside. We could as well. I'm the last person to ask about scrutiny or anything of that nature. So, none of that stuff matters to me. The only thing that matters to me is what goes on inside this locker room, both home and away."
James has averaged 27.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 7.9 assists in his first nine games with the Lakers.
