Luke Walton Confident LeBron James Will Work Well With Lakers Young Core
Lonzo Ball, LeBron James, Lakers
David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

When it was first announced that LeBron James was signing with the Los Angeles Lakers, many believed that a second superstar was on the way to join him.

SHOP NOW: CHECK OUT THE LATEST MERCH ????????????

But as free agency came and went, he remained the only max-caliber free agent to sign with the Lakers. The team did add veterans Rajon Rondo, JaVale McGee, Lance Stephenson and Michael Beasley to the fold.

The blend of veterans join a young Lakers core that will be entering into pressure-filled situations that they haven’t dealt with before, but head coach Luke Walton isn’t worried about it. “I think they’re going to do great, honestly,” he recently said.

One reason why Walton is confident because of James’ presence and influence. “Part of what I’m hearing from other coaches is one of the things that makes LeBron so great is he picks up every single person he plays with,” Walton explained. “And he elevates their game.”

A player like James, who is an extremely high IQ player with great court vision and excellent passing, can certainly help the young Lakers players step their game up. The attention he draws will open up opportunities and Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart are all more than capable of making shots, and setting up others for better scoring opportunities as well.

Additionally, Walton believes his young players are ready to step up, and have been working hard to prepare themselves. “I know who our young players are and what they’re about. They’re excited he’s here,” Walton said.

“I think the type of players they are and type of workers they are, they’re going to have a really good year.”

Of course, things that look good on paper still take time to fit together on the court, but Walton is confident it will work out, especially with LeBron. “Obviously, it’s going to take time,” the Lakers head coach acknowledged.

“Like every new team that gets together. But that’s part of the fun and enjoying the process, is getting these pieces to fit. I think LeBron will make that easier.”

Are you following us on Instagram? We’ve changed our handle to @LakersNationOfficial! Find us on Facebook at @LakersNation, and on Twitter @LakersNation.

You May Also Like

Lakers News: Kyle Kuzma Not Worried About 2019-20 NBA Trade Deadline

The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching on Feb 6. at 12:00 PM PT. Between now and then, the Los Angeles Lakers will…

Lakers News: Frank Vogel Commends Carmelo Anthony After Receiving Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Award

With the Los Angeles Lakers limping toward the finish line during the 2021-22 season, it is easy to forget the off-court…

Lakers News: Lakers Won’t Bring Back Devin Ebanks, Chris Duhon

The Lakers announced this afternoon that they wouldn’t be bringing back forward…

Lakers VP Jim Buss: ‘I’m 100 Percent Behind Mike Brown’

After a winless preseason (0-8) and three straight losses to start the…