When the Los Angeles Lakers hired Luke Walton as their head coach, they effectively gave him the keys to arguably the biggest, most youth-driven rebuilding process in franchise history. Walton has been handed the tall task of changing the team’s philosophy both on and off the court from the stagnant, old-school approach of predecessor Byron Scott to a modern style resembling that of the Golden State Warriors, where Walton was an assistant the past two seasons.
In an interview with ESPN 710 Los Angeles at Lakers Media Day on Monday, Walton shared some insight into how he’ll transform this young team.
On drawing from his former boss, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr:
"The way Steve set his culture up and the way he interacted with his players was great for me to see. A lot of that is how I want to coach."
— Jacob Rude (@JacobRude) September 26, 2016
Luke on if LAL will play like GS did: “Honestly, the way the ball moved up there is how I believe basketball should be played.”
— Jacob Rude (@JacobRude) September 26, 2016
On valuing the effort he sees on the court versus the team’s wins and losses:
Luke on winning vs. development: “It’s going to depend more on how those guys are playing. I know we need to develop them.”
— Jacob Rude (@JacobRude) September 26, 2016
“If those young guys are playing hard and just missing shots, that’s easy to stay with those guys.”
— Jacob Rude (@JacobRude) September 26, 2016
On creating a culture of competitiveness and accountability similar to that of Kerr and Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich:
“Going into training camp, the gamplan is to develop the culture that we compete, play hard and get after it.”
— Jacob Rude (@JacobRude) September 26, 2016
“You’re at your best when your players hold themselves accountable. You get the most out of them.”
— Jacob Rude (@JacobRude) September 26, 2016
Luke says he is wants to set a culture similar to what Pop & Kerr have with their teams
— dilløn hiser (@dahiser) September 26, 2016
Walton, a former Lakers big man himself, also had praise for his team’s starting frontcourt, which will likely consist of third-year forward Julius Randle and controversial free-agent signing Timofey Mozgov:
Luke on Randle: “I think, honestly, his play-making ability will open up a lot for our team. I want to play him at some five, too.”
— Jacob Rude (@JacobRude) September 26, 2016
“He’s such a phenomenal athlete. If he gets the rebound, we’re telling him to push it himself.”
— Jacob Rude (@JacobRude) September 26, 2016
Luke says Mozgov was near top of list of free agents. “I was very, very excited to get Mozgov. He was at the top of guys I wanted to coach.”
— Jacob Rude (@JacobRude) September 26, 2016
“We think with the way we’re going to play…he’ll be a really nice piece for what we’re trying to do.”
— Jacob Rude (@JacobRude) September 26, 2016
Whether or not you agree with the Lakers’ decision to had the former Cavs center a 4-year, $64 million deal at the start of free agency this summer, it’s a little reassuring to see that Walton obviously holds Mozgov in high regard. Either way, Luke’s
Either way, Luke’s gameplan continues to be a breath of fresh air for this young Lakers squad and should provide plenty of optimism heading into the 2016-17 season.
