When considering the reasons why the Los Angeles Lakers failed to make the 2019 NBA playoffs, many looked at then-head coach Luke Walton.
Considered a young but promising head coach, Walton was suddenly thrusted into a much different position upon LeBron James coming to Los Angeles in 2018 NBA free agency.
Rumors quickly swirled around Walton’s job security considering James’ history with head coaches along with the fact that the new regime in charge of the Lakers didn’t hire him themselves. Former president of basketball operations Magic Johnson tried to quell the rumors, but they continued until the end of the season when it was believed that he flat out wanted to fire Walton.