Fansided

20 bold predictions for the NBA’s second half

By Luke Dahlgren

Feb 14, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Magic Johnson (left) speaks during a tribute to Western Conference forward Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers (right) prior to the start of the NBA All Star Game at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 14, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Magic Johnson (left) speaks during a tribute to Western Conference forward Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers (right) prior to the start of the NBA All Star Game at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 13, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Golden State Warriors interim head coach Luke Walton reacts to a play in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Warriors 112-110. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 13, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Golden State Warriors interim head coach Luke Walton reacts to a play in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Warriors 112-110. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Luke Walton will coach the LA Lakers in 2016-17

The post-Kobe era in Los Angeles will begin at the same time as the post-Byron Scott era. After going 39-4 for the Golden State Warriors as head coach, Walton has suddenly found himself to be the biggest commodity in the NBA. With coaches dropping all across the league, he is now seen by many as the cure to an ailing team.

The two locations most frequently connected with Walton are the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers.

  • Los Angeles is where he played for the majority of his career. He has familiarity with the organization, including ownership and the front office.
  • New York is where his long time coach, Phil Jackson, resides as team president.

Common sense dictates that Walton will stay onboard for a likely championship run with the Warriors. After that, he will have to choose between Los Angeles (less roster strength, but a proven front office led by Mitch Kupchak) and New York (better roster under the possibly suffocating regime of Jackson). I predict he takes the Lakers’ job.

Either way, anticipate some struggles for Walton early on. He’ll be transitioning from a team with a securely built philosophy and power structure to a team in need of direction. Walton proved himself as a talented manager of minutes and pacing for a game – allowing players who already know what they are doing to be put in the best situation – but can he be a teacher? Can he mold a philosophy?

Next: Clippers in the playoffs

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