Lakers EXCLUSIVE: Luke Walton being 're-evaluated' as head coach amid LeBron James injury
LUKE WALTON's position is constantly being "re-evaluated", according to NBA legend Paul Pierce.
Walton has come under increasing pressure to produce incredible results this season after the acquisition of LeBron James.
It took James some time to acclimatise to his new surroundings but once he did he fired the Lakers up to fourth in the Western Conference.
But a Christmas Day injury has forced the three-time NBA champion to miss the last seven matches, of which five have ended in defeat.
The Lakers have consequently slipped down to eighth in the West and some supporters are again calling for the head of Walton.
Franchise legends such as Kobe Bryant have publicaly spoken in an attempt to calm the fanbase unrest.
However, Pierce reckons Walton is constantly under review, especially because he was hired before president Magic Johnson took charge of backroom affairs.
"He (Walton) is in a tough position because you bring LeBron on and you are expecting to win," Pierce told Express Sport while at the PokerStars Players No Limit Hold’em Championship in the Bahamas.
"Luke wasn't the coach which Magic (Johnson) hired and Magic has taken over management now.
"Whenever you're a Lakers coach there's always pressure there.
"It is one of the great franchises in all of sports.
"They don't like to lose so every year a coach is being re-evaluated and he is one of those coaches too."
Meanwhile, Bryant pointed to injuries to key players as to the reason for the Lakers' poor form.
"Relax," Bryant responded on Twitter to fans' fears.
"Entire squad is damn near out.
"Were playing pretty well before that #gethealthy #lakerfam."