After some of the buzz around the Los Angeles Lakers signing LeBron James in free agency began to subside, one of the main questions raised was how Luke Walton would fare in just his third season as head coach.
It wasn’t from the stance of questioning Walton’s coaching acumen, but rather a reflection of the pressure that comes with James being on the roster. James historically has drawn criticism for the perception he becomes a team’s de facto head coach and/or general manager.
There’s also the factor of expectations dramatically changing because of James’ presence. Having missed the NBA playoffs in each of the past five seasons, most projections have the Lakers ending that drought.