The Los Angeles Lakers did not go into the All-Star break with a performance that anyone would like to remember. Luke Walton’s squad came out flat from the beginning of their 137-101 loss to the Phoenix Suns and it looked as if the team was already on break.
Walton was certainly disappointed in the effort the Lakers put forth as were a number of players, but the Lakers now have more than a week to get things right before their next game following the break.
During the All-Star break, Walton plans to talk with his coaching staff about the best plan of development for the Lakers moving forward according to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
Luke said during the break he’ll discuss w/ staff what’s best moving forward in terms of development (who needs more, or even diff matchups)
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) February 16, 2017
That isn’t all for Walton as he also plans to meet with Mitch Kupchak, Jim Buss, and of course Magic Johnson, who Walton has yet to meet with since the latter was hired as an advisor to President Jeanie Buss (via Winters):
Then Luke Walton says he’ll sit down w/ Jim, Mitch & Magic to get their input on what they see going on right now as well
(on @SpectrumSN). https://t.co/yZMCk07HWA— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) February 16, 2017
Walton has his work cut out for him as this Lakers team has struggled at times this year. There has certainly been some progress as they have already surpassed last season’s win total, but outings like Wednesday’s are definitely concerning.
Now that the Lakers will be headed towards the home stretch of this season they will be looking to at least salvage the year and gain some respect around the league. There are 24 games left and development is of the utmost importance so Walton will have to figure out the best way to end this season.
