OAKLAND — Underneath his calm exterior and easy-going personality, Lakers coach Luke Walton experienced a “dark time” when the losing became overwhelming.
The Lakers lost a game in Brooklyn in mid-December to extend a losing streak to eight games – a significant downturn after their 10-10 start to the season. After sharing heated words with his players, Walton consulted two people. He talked with Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr as well as a “sports shrink” he consults.
“I wrote in a journal and deprived myself of sleep until I got through the other side,” Walton said before the Lakers closed their season against the Warriors on Wednesday at the Oracle.