Magic Johnson’s departure as Los Angeles Lakers president was not enough to save the coach’s job.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Lakers and coach Luke Walton have parted ways after three seasons on the job.
The Lakers and Luke Walton have parted ways.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 12, 2019
In an official release, the team said that Walton and the Lakers “mutually agreed” his departure.
Release from the Lakers on Luke Walton pic.twitter.com/9qd9pnaDNl
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) April 12, 2019
There had been some speculation that Johnson’s exit might lead the Lakers to giving Walton another year, but that won’t happen. While the team’s record improved each year Walton was at the helm, his third season was a huge disappointment, as they were expected to be much more competitive after adding LeBron James to the roster. Instead, they only won two more games than they did the season before. The fact that it was widely speculated — with some evidence — that James didn’t think much of Walton may not have helped the coach’s cause.
The good news for Walton is that he looks like he has a chance to land on his feet somewhere else. Managing James and the dysfunctional Lakers will be someone else’s problem.
