San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich gave his opinion on LaVar Ball, the controversial father of Los Angeles Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball. When asked about the outspoken owner of the Big Baller Brand, Popovich said someone must first look at the substance of the source that speaks. At that point, Popovich said no one should give weight to what LaVar has been saying. "It’s just another fan in the peanut gallery with an opinion. Which is meaningless," said Popovich, per Kurt Helin of NBC Sports.
The long-time Spurs mentor made the pronouncement after LaVar badmouthed Lakers coach Luke Walton, saying his players don't want to play for him anymore.
Aside from Popovich, Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle and Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr also criticized LaVar for his verbal jab at Walton. Popovich was also asked about Lonzo Ball. However, Popovich said he hasn't watched Lonzo play. "If I have to watch film that’s what assistant coaches are for," said Popovich, per Bill Oram of Southern California News Group. On Thursday, the Spurs lost to the Lakers, 93-81.
Carlisle slams ESPN for giving airtime to LaVar
In an interview with ESPN’s Jeff Goodman, LaVar said that Walton has lost control of the Lakers and players don’t want to play for him. Carlisle, the president of the NBA's Coaches Association, slammed ESPN for giving airtime to LaVar’s comments, saying the network should protect the league and its coaches as part of its duties as an NBA partner.
Carlisle also defended Walton, saying he doesn’t deserve the criticism being thrown by LaVar. “Luke Walton is a terrific, young coach who is bringing along a young team, and it's a difficult task,” said Carlisle.
Magic, Buss defend Walton
After LaVar’s comments came out, Lakers majority owner Jeanie Buss and team president Magic Johnson both expressed their support of Walton on their respective Twitter accounts.
On her Twitter account, Buss posted a photo of her sitting at a dinner table with Walton and general manager Rob Pelinka. Johnson, for his part, tweeted a praise for Walton after the Lakers notched a season-best four-game winning run via a 107-101 win over the Dallas Mavericks Sunday. In his tweet, Johnson said he’s proud of the Walton and the Lakers for winning their fourth game in a row against the Mavericks.
Some of the Lakers players expressed support for Walton, even LaVar’s son Lonzo, and rookie power forward Kyle Kuzma. The players denied that Walton has lost support of the team, saying they are behind their coach.
