Luke Walton on the Lowe Post

aaron_gray · Post #1 » by **aaron_gray** » Fri Jul 14, 2017 3:28 pm

http://www.espn.com/espnradio/play?id=20006566

Probably deserves its own thread. Highlights:

2:20 Discussion on Lonzo starts

6:57 D'Angelo trade

10:25 Cap space, pending free agents

14:00 Will KCP start?

15:24 Brolo the stretch 5

20:40 Randle and his motor

26:46 Is Ingram fasting to protest the Trump presidency?

They also talk a bunch about Luke's playing days, Shaqobe and Payton, Kobe vs the Celtics before finishing with a Kyrie and fake wade discussion.

danfantastk32 · Post #2 » by **danfantastk32** » Fri Jul 14, 2017 4:17 pm

Thought his "damage control" on Magics comments regarding DLO were a bit of a stretch. Magic's no country-bumkin in this industry. He knew what he was saying. From what I listened to, it sounds like Walton is not a huge fan of the trade. Hard to totally tell. Luke certainly had some corporate responses.

Fair enough. There was alot of talent / prospect in DLO. I think Walton invested alot of time in him. I'm sure it's hard, and you prob feel like you let the guy down, in your own way.

It's been a weird couple years in Lakerland. I hope Luke makes it out the other side, and some of these young guys turn into our future stars. It would be extra satisfying to see this 'core' competing in 3-4 years.

Pythagoras · Post #3 » by **Pythagoras** » Fri Jul 14, 2017 6:21 pm

danfantastk32 wrote:Thought his "damage control" on Magics comments regarding DLO were a bit of a stretch. Magic's no country-bumkin in this industry. He knew what he was saying. From what I listened to, it sounds like Walton is not a huge fan of the trade. Hard to totally tell. Luke certainly had some corporate responses.

Fair enough. There was alot of talent / prospect in DLO. I think Walton invested alot of time in him. I'm sure it's hard, and you prob feel like you let the guy down, in your own way.

It's been a weird couple years in Lakerland. I hope Luke makes it out the other side, and some of these young guys turn into our future stars. It would be extra satisfying to see this 'core' competing in 3-4 years.

Yeah, his comments on D'Lo were pretty interesting, hmm. I wonder how much he really supported that trade? Anyway, I'm still excited for the future with Ball, Ingram, and the ever under appreciated Randle. That said, I'm not blind to what Magic wants, and barring some unreal jump by Randle, I still think he's viewed as expendable, unfortunately.

Adrian99OVR · Post #4 » by **Adrian99OVR** » Fri Jul 14, 2017 7:21 pm

Maybe Luke simply has differing opinions than Magic?

He said it perfectly, IMO. It's a part of the business and you learn to quickly move on from these things. His sentiments weren't unique --- Russ obviously has talent, a lot of potential, and a large contingent of Lakers fans envisioned him in our long-term plans.

But... he's a Brooklyn Net, now. We all have to move on from it and wish the best for both parties.

stan francisco · Post #5 » by **stan francisco** » Fri Jul 14, 2017 8:21 pm

Adrian99OVR wrote:Maybe Luke simply has differing opinions than Magic?

He said it perfectly, IMO. It's a part of the business and you learn to quickly move on from these things. His sentiments weren't unique --- Russ obviously has talent, a lot of potential, and a large contingent of Lakers fans envisioned him in our long-term plans.

But... he's a Brooklyn Net, now. We all have to move on from it and wish the best for both parties.

Amen.

Magic might at times speak with a forked tongue to save face or gain ground, but cool as a cuke Luke doesn't need to play such games.

RamonSessions7 · Post #6 » by **RamonSessions7** » Fri Jul 14, 2017 8:22 pm

Meh, I'm sure he was involved in the thought process leading to the trade. I take his words as more of a way as staying as a player's coach.

LakersSoul · Post #7 » by **LakersSoul** » Fri Jul 14, 2017 8:44 pm

RamonSessions7 wrote:Meh, I'm sure he was involved in the thought process leading to the trade. I take his words as more of a way as staying as a player's coach.

No doubt Walton knew of the impending trade and I am sure he wasnt voluntarily offering to trade him.

Magic, Pelinka, and Walton all knew Dlo was talented but (less Walton) not part of the foundation. We also needed to move Mozgov and Dlo was unfortunately the piece to get it done. I do not care much about the potential of Ball and Dlo as co-starters. The defense would be atrocious and Dlo is not the quickest to help lead the new Showtime era. He was the right piece even though talented. This is why Nets took Mozgov and gave us Lopez and what turned into Kuzma.

Dlo's high upside is as a PG and less so as a SG. Dlo would not be the starting PG with the Lakers.

Pythagoras · Post #8 » by **Pythagoras** » Fri Jul 14, 2017 10:45 pm

Or maybe Luke really didn't like the trade...

Post #9 » by **Kilroy** » Fri Jul 14, 2017 10:58 pm

Don't know if I believe Luke is really 'In the Loop' with Magic and Pelinka... He was in the dark about the Mitch and Jim firing. It's not a stretch to think he wasn't aware the DLo trade was going down.
I mean, I'm sure he knew it was being discussed, but maybe he thought it wasn't really going to happen for whatever reason.

That said, with how Ball's playing, I bet it would have been incredibly difficult for Russell to step back and let him have the ball and the spot-light.
I feel like we didn't get everything we could have for him, but I think it was a smart move to eliminate any conflict between the 2 and open up the court for ball.

Indy2LA · Post #10 » by **Indy2LA** » Fri Jul 14, 2017 11:27 pm

"14:00 Will KCP start?"

:lol:

Landsberger · Post #11 » by **Landsberger** » Fri Jul 14, 2017 11:55 pm

If Luke wasn't in the loop then I'd venture he isn't in the long range plans either. Remember that he's part of the previous regime's thought process. If we do get the big names on the court does Luke survive to coach them or does the FO go for an established coach?

I think he was told that they were trading him.... not so sure he was given much of a choice about it.

gts1 · Post #12 » by **gts1** » Sat Jul 15, 2017 12:05 am

I hope Luke was kept in the loop on the D'Lo trade... if the FO is making decisions without input from the head coach then we're doomed

LakersSoul · Post #13 » by **LakersSoul** » Sat Jul 15, 2017 12:38 am

Kilroy wrote:Don't know if I believe Luke is really 'In the Loop' with Magic and Pelinka... He was in the dark about the Mitch and Jim firing. It's not a stretch to think he wasn't aware the DLo trade was going down.
I mean, I'm sure he knew it was being discussed, but maybe he thought it wasn't really going to happen for whatever reason.

That said, with how Ball's playing, I bet it would have been incredibly difficult for Russell to step back and let him have the ball and the spot-light.
I feel like we didn't get everything we could have for him, but I think it was a smart move to eliminate any conflict between the 2 and open up the court for ball.

That and...

1. Get rid of Mozgov's contract
2. Get Lopez
3. Get Kuzma

The trade happened a few days after the trip to Chino Hills when Magic/Pelinka picked Lonzo Ball as the future for the franchise. After the new PG, Dlo was a sure goner for the best return.

danfantastk32 · Post #14 » by **danfantastk32** » Sat Jul 15, 2017 12:44 am

Landsberger wrote:If Luke wasn't in the loop then I'd venture he isn't in the long range plans either. Remember that he's part of the previous regime's thought process. If we do get the big names on the court does Luke survive to coach them or does the FO go for an established coach?

I think he was told that they were trading him.... not so sure he was given much of a choice about it.

Maybe none of them were. There's certainly evidence that DLO didn't want to relinquish the drivers seat. Who knows what was said? Maybe Magic wanted him out....and nothing DLO said mattered? Maybe DLO told Magic to trade him if he couldn't be PG? I feel like it's something we will eventually know in a few years. We have DLO's tweet, for what that's worth...and little else.

I'm not too worried about Luke. Luke really doesn't come across as a throwback from the previous regime. For one...he's the only up-to-date decision they made, imo. He really doesn't fit the mold of anything else they did....and I have often wondered if they knew what they were doing...or if it was Luke being the hot, new, young, up-and-comer, that everyone wanted...and we just had our Laker name to back it? His style definitely fits what the Lakers want to do....there's really not that great coach out there these days....and so unless he and Lonzo can't see eye to eye, or something....everything should be just fine.

Landsberger · Post #15 » by **Landsberger** » Sat Jul 15, 2017 1:54 am

danfantastk32 wrote:
Landsberger wrote:If Luke wasn't in the loop then I'd venture he isn't in the long range plans either. Remember that he's part of the previous regime's thought process. If we do get the big names on the court does Luke survive to coach them or does the FO go for an established coach?

I think he was told that they were trading him.... not so sure he was given much of a choice about it.

Maybe none of them were. There's certainly evidence that DLO didn't want to relinquish the drivers seat. Who knows what was said? Maybe Magic wanted him out....and nothing DLO said mattered? Maybe DLO told Magic to trade him if he couldn't be PG? I feel like it's something we will eventually know in a few years. We have DLO's tweet, for what that's worth...and little else.

I'm not too worried about Luke. Luke really doesn't come across as a throwback from the previous regime. For one...he's the only up-to-date decision they made, imo. He really doesn't fit the mold of anything else they did....and I have often wondered if they knew what they were doing...or if it was Luke being the hot, new, young, up-and-comer, that everyone wanted...and we just had our Laker name to back it? His style definitely fits what the Lakers want to do....there's really not that great coach out there these days....and so unless he and Lonzo can't see eye to eye, or something....everything should be just fine.

I see slim odds that Luke is here when we are truly relevant again. Then again I'm not sure we haven't sold the fort for a promise either.

If... and it's a big IF.. if we get the 2 stars what will their window be with what's left? I could most definitely see ownership wanting a coach with a significant track record. Not saying it's the right thing but this group is thinking they need to be back at the top quickly over going at it slowly.

My assessment of Luke is that he was a rookie coach. I didn't see a lot of adjustments and his use of different lineups almost constantly isn't the best approach for a young team. Just like our other youngsters..... he need to "take a step" too.

aaron_gray · Post #16 » by **aaron_gray** » Sat Jul 15, 2017 2:50 am

For those that enjoyed this pod and actually listened to the parts that did not involve the D'Lo trade (I personally found the discussion on Randle more interesting and forward looking), I'd highly recommend the previous episode with Jerry Stackhouse.

http://www.espn.com/espnradio/play?id=19959313

They go much more in depth into coaching and Stack's philosophy. For more on Stack's relationship with Ingram:

http://blog.eastbay.com/sports/basketball/mentor-mentee-jerry-stackhouse-brandon-ingram-story/
http://www.ocregister.com/2016/12/02/lakers-brandon-ingram-thankful-for-jerry-stackhouses-influence/

We all know how much player-coach relationships matter in this league (especially after Hayward) and while the hype is around Lonzo, I'd put my money on Ingram being the face of the franchise moving forward. Stack could be a solid addition to the coaching staff or even a candidate to become the next head coach if Luke fails to turn the defense around.

Sofa King · Post #17 » by **Sofa King** » Sat Jul 15, 2017 3:24 am

As I speculate, the Lakers tried to package Clarkson and Mozgov to the Nets, but the Nets countered with Dlo and the rest is history.

Post #18 » by **Kilroy** » Sat Jul 15, 2017 3:25 am

Yeah, there was a lot more there about Randle than just 'his motor'... He's looking forward to the Lopez signing opening up the court for Randle. It sounds like he's looking to feature him a bit, and he's legit shredded right now, not photo shopped...
He and Ingram have been tearing up the gym this summer.

It also sounds like he expects Clarkson to be on the team.

danfantastk32 · Post #19 » by **danfantastk32** » Sat Jul 15, 2017 4:18 am

Landsberger wrote: My assessment of Luke is that he was a rookie coach. I didn't see a lot of adjustments and his use of different lineups almost constantly isn't the best approach for a young team. Just like our other youngsters..... he need to "take a step" too.

Yeah for sure. I hear what your saying. I just dont see an ocean of great coaching talent out there. Who would they get? I think Luke has a couple years to get things going. I could be totally wrong.....but I think everyone is pretty happy with him as of yet. I suppose you do have a point that all bets are off, if we do sign some stars. I just don't see anyone I'd jump ship to sign right now.

Landsberger · Post #20 » by **Landsberger** » Sat Jul 15, 2017 2:20 pm

Randle is the one we have to decide on this time next year. Signing him to a big contract puts the 2 star thing in flux doesn't it?

Personally, I don't see anything in Randle that isn't easily replaceable. We have a better front court ball handler in Ingram and Ball looks to need a lot of getting better to be valuable off the ball so his one somewhat unique ability seems diminished by the balance of the rest of the team.