Luke Walton (Photo : Harry How/Getty Images)
Luke Walton would have wanted to depart the Golden State Warriors with a bang in the form of another NBA title but all that crumbled when the Cleveland Cavaliers battled back from a 1-3 whole to become the 2016 NBA champions.
Just the same life goes on for Luke Walton and that includes addressing that commitment of becoming the Los Angeles Lakers next head coach. Walton agreed to become the Lakers’ next head coach back in April 29, 2016.
Luke Walton is back
Despite falling short with the Warriors, Walton was greeted warmly by the Lakers fans. It was a homecoming as well for the 36-year-old Walton who started his career wearing the purple and gold back in 2003.
During the official presentation, Walton was expectedly besieged with questions that mostly focused on his plans for the embattled ballclub.
“Showtime” 2.0?
Luke Walton held nothing back, showing elation and revealing how he plans to work with the young Lakers core and employ an up-tempo brand of basketball.
Walton is no stranger to this brand of basketball, proving it when he filled in for Warriors head coach Steve Kerr early last season.
With Kerr forced into rehab, Walton passed remarkably by leading Golden State to a 24-0 start. By the time Walton had stepped aside, the Warriors were already 34-9 for the season.
Walton wants to be like 'Kobe'
Having played alongside Kobe Bryant for eight seasons is more than enough for Luke Walton to learn a thing or two. But if there is one thing that Walton has learned from the “Black Mamba”, it is his work ethic, Fox Sports reports.
Despite being a certified superstar, Walton bares how Kobe was the hardest working player he was privileged to be with.
According to Walton, Kobe’s knack for working hard set an incredible tone for the team. Now he hopes to bring that same hard work ethic to the Los Angeles Lakers though coaching.
Moving past Kobe Bryant’s era
With Kobe Bryant now officially retired, Walton is hoping that such will serve as an opportunity for younger players to step up to the plate as next generation Lakers.
That could be a dish at players in the current roster like D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson or even Larry Nance Jr.
The Lakers can also get from two other sources: the 2016 NBA Draft where they will be selecting second and NBA Free Agency where they have the luxury of available cap space.
Is Luke Walton up to the challenge? Based on his introductory press conference via the Los Angeles Times, he looks pretty much up to the task.
