Zona Zealots
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Former Wildcat Luke Walton is out as head coach of the Lakers

By Eric Townsend

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 05: Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half of the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on April 05, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 05: Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half of the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on April 05, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA- After just two seasons, the Luke Walton era is officially over with the Los Angeles Lakers, as the former Wildcat is out as head coach.

Three seasons! Three sub-par seasons, that’s all it took for the Los Angeles Lakers to want to part ways with now former head coach and former Wildcat, Luke Walton.

After taking over the disorganized and under-performing, storied organization, Los Angeles had big hopes in the likable Walton who returned to the organization, but now as head coach.

Arizona Wildcats
Arizona Wildcats /

Arizona Wildcats

He began his head coaching career, having the No. 2 pick overall in the 2016 draft, drafting Brandon Ingram, followed by Ivica Zubac.

But a tough year where the Lakers finished the year 26-56, securing the No. 2 overall pick again in the 2017 Draft.

This time, hopes were high as the Lakers drafted Lonzo Ball and acquired Kyle Kuzma via trade. Starting to stack about the young talent, it was only a matter of time before Walton and the Lakers started winning, right?

Well, not exactly. Former President of Basketball Operations Magic Johnson, made some less-than-stellar choices for the Lakers. First, Magic got rid of D’Angelo Russell (Russell just had an all-star season and got the Brooklyn Nets to the playoffs), as well as Julius Randle.

However, in year two, the Lakers finished just 35-47, which led the Lakers to bring in the infamous and ever-talented LeBron James. Problem solved, right? The talent would just flock to LA to play in one of the biggest markets!

Wrong! The team never gelled, LeBron wasn’t healthy and rumors ran rampant with the team and potential trade talks.

Having missed the playoffs for six straight seasons now, Magic has stepped down, and now Walton has been fired after a 37-45 season.

Seems like he got an unfair shake, after the organization mismanaged their talent, but also traded away some incredibly valuable pieces.

Walton was an assistant coach at the University of Memphis and spent time with the Los Angeles D-Fenders before joining the Golden State Warriors’ staff.

While the news comes as shocking, he even had people come to his defense, including current Warriors’ head coach and former Arizona star, Steve Kerr!

Here’s what current player Josh Hart had to say about his now former head coach…

On Arizona Basketball. light. More

At Zona Zealots, we’re sad to see him go, but know bigger things are on the horizon. He was dealt some tough hands with the Lakers, but as always, coaches take the fall first. He will become a coach again in the NBA somewhere! Bear Down, Luke! You’ll get back to where you deserve to be!

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