The Lakers will replace Luke Walton with former coach Phil Jackson, Smith predicted

Walton is entering his third season in charge of the Lakers after making the switch from the Golden State Warriors, where he served as assistant to Steve Kerr, in 2016. The Lakers’ record increased from 26 wins in his first season to 35 wins in his second as the 38-year-old nurtured a talented, youthful roster through a season competing in a stacked Western Conference. But the arrival of LeBron James is likely to accelerate the timeline for the Lakers’ success, meaning Walton could be afforded less time to be patient with his young stars. Speaking on ESPN today, Stephen A. Smith suggested the former Lakers star, who was hired by the team’s previous executives, would be replaced in his head coaching role by a far more experienced candidate – and a familiar face to Lakers fans.

Phil Jackson steered the Lakers to five NBA championships during his tenure

“The bottom line is that Luke Walton was a Jeanie Buss, Jim Buss, Mitch Kupchak hire,” Smith said. “He wasn’t Magic Johnson’s or Rob Pelinka. But I’m going to throw a wrench in all over this and I’ll preface my comment by saying this is not inside information at all… this is just an opinion. “I would keep my eyes on Phil Jackson. The same Phil Jackson that offended LeBron James and his crew by calling them a ‘posse’, minimising them, all of this other stuff. I would keep my eye on him.

Jackson coached the likes of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal

“Here’s why. Number one. Luke Walton, two seasons, still hasn’t made the playoffs. I love the job that he has done, I love the development of players under him I’m a fan of Luke Walton’s I think he should stay on board, but he wasn’t Magic and Rob’s choice. “Point number two, when Kobe Bryant and I talked on my radio show a couple of days ago, Kobe spoke to LeBron during the playoffs, Kobe spoke to LeBron to welcome him to the family once LeBron had agreed to come on board to LA. “Kobe Bryant perhaps is one of the most unforgiving people in the world if he feels betrayed, let me tell you that right now. You recall that book that Phil Jackson that Phil wrote about him, throwing him under the bus calling him uncoachable… wanting to profit off him after he had supposedly retired from LA?

The 72-year-old previously served as team president of the New York Knicks