Newly-minted Lakers coach Luke Walton won’t be bringing back the Triangle Offense to L.A., saying it is not the “most appropriate” form of attack for this version of the Purple and Gold.
Walton will not run the triangle offense as the Lakers' coach. It's not the "most appropriate" offense for personnel they have, he said.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) April 30, 2016
Walton reportedly inked a five-year deal worth $25 million to replace Byron Scott.
The 36-year-old is high on the Lakers’ young talent.
Walton on Julius Randle: "That kid averaged 10 rebounds a game as pretty much a rookie? That’s insane. This is a grown-man league."
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) April 30, 2016
Walton on D'Angelo: "He has very high potential. To me, he can be a perennial All-Star." Likes how he can score from 3-pt range + the post.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) April 30, 2016
Walton on Clarkson: "He’s another active athlete. He’s constantly in attack mode, which is what you want." Walton likes his work ethic too.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) April 30, 2016
Per the LA Times:
Someone played “I Love L.A.” very loudly behind closed doors toward the end of the Golden State Warriors’ practice. […] The 36-year-old agreed to a five-year deal worth about $25 million Friday with the Lakers. Despite their 17-65 finish this season, Walton was all smiles Saturday after the music, and Warriors practice, ended.
“I played for the Lakers and I feel part of that family. It’s kind of nice to be able to go back and try to help rebuild what we used to have there,” Walton said. […] Walton, 36, will not run the triangle offense he played for the Lakers when Phil Jackson was his coach because it isn’t the “most appropriate” for the personnel they have. He’s opting instead for the space-and-pace mind-set of the Warriors.
Of course, the Lakers will have to do it with D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle — not Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. […] This seems fine with Walton, who is cognizant the Lakers will have about $60 million to spend on free agents this summer. They also have a 55.8% chance at keeping their top-three protected draft pick at the May 17 lottery.
