Luke Walton, Lonzo Ball downplay latest LaVar Ball criticism

Los Angeles Lakers coach Luke Walton is getting used to dealing with criticism from LaVar Ball.

On Sunday, Walton was forced to respond to Ball’s latest jab — the belief that the Lakers head coach has lost his players.

“I don’t see that the players aren’t playing hard,” Walton said, via Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN. “I think the players are playing very hard, we’ve been through a hard stretch, but they are giving us what they have and we’re going to keep working and we’ll be fine.

“I’m fine with it, it doesn’t bother me. My only concern with any of it is for [Lonzo Ball]. As long as Zo’s fine with it and Zo can come out and play, and it doesn’t affect mine and his relationship, then it doesn’t bother me at all.”

Lonzo Ball also downplayed his father’s comments, saying he disagreed with them.

“He is going to speak his mind, he is not going to change,” Lonzo said.”… I don’t think [Walton has lost the locker room]. I mean, he’s our head coach. We are going to play for him.

“That is just his opinion. He has coached me his whole life. So he is definitely going to have a strong opinion about it. That’s just what it is.”

While there are definitely some issues in Lakerland, there hadn’t really been any concern about the team quitting on Walton until LaVar Ball made his remarks. It’s not a headache Walton needs right now.