Lakers news: Stephen A Smith reveals details of crunch Luke Walton and Magic Johnson talks
LUKE WALTON will not be fired by the Los Angeles Lakers this year, according to Stephen A. Smith.
LeBron will get Lakers coach Walton fired claims Skip Bayless
Walton is currently under pressure at the Lakers, after a dismal start to the season.
The young team has failed to properly gel with new superstar LeBron James.
Results have been few and far between and the franchise has a 4-6 record after ten games.
Last week, reports emerged that Walton had been reprimanded by Magic Johnson, the Lakers' president of basketball operations.
However, American pundit Smith believes Walton has no need to worry, and insisted that the coach would not be fired.
“I don’t think so [Walton will be fired], not for this year,” he said.
“I recognise that Magic Johnson has said he is not in trouble.
“But I want to emphasise that I don’t believe [Johnson].
“Do I believe he should be in trouble this year? No.
“I think the team you have assembled, you have some work to do.”
Smith gave an insight into the meeting Johnson had with Walton, and explained what exactly it was that Johnson had an issue with.
“From what I have been told, Magic Johnson had a conversation with Luke Walton," Smith added.
“Here’s why - Magic Johnson doesn’t like the way the Lakers look defensively.
“And Magic thinks Luke Walton needs a better coaching staff.
“He won’t come out and say that, but that’s what I know.
“Magic Johnson wants to hire a better coaching staff.
“And, by the way, you don’t get to play like the Golden State Warriors if you don’t have their roster.”
The Lakers are back in action on Wednesday night when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves.