Kings Coach Luke Walton Suddenly On The Hot Seat

Kings coach Luke Walton is on shaky ground and “pressure is mounting” amid the team’s current skid, per Shams Charania and Sam Amick of The Athletic.

The Kings (5-8) have lost four straight, and given the franchise’s history under team owner Vivek Ranadive, well, stability has not been the strong suit. Nor was Walton hired by current GM Monte McNair, though the two are believed to have a good relationship.

“We felt like we had a lot of positive signs last year,” McNair said, via Amick. “Obviously, we didn’t get where we wanted to go, so we worked on adding depth and defense (in the offseason), and Luke acknowledged that we need to be better, certainly on that end of the floor. And we’ve seen some good early returns this year.

“And so, you know, it’s just staying in that constant communication and hopefully seeing the results on the floor like we’ve seen this early going. You know, we all are trying to — like you said — row the boat in that direction. We’ve all got to get to the playoffs and finally reap that reward.”

Walton, 41, has compiled a 67-90 record in his three seasons with the Kings. A former highly sought assistant under Steve Kerr with the Warriors, Walton was 98-148 in three years as head coach of the Lakers.

But it appears if things don’t pick up soon, Walton may be seeking employment yet again.