NBA Rumors: Lakers Decision On Lopez, Randle Hints At Walton's Fate

The Los Angeles Lakers blame game continues with team president Earvin "Magic" Johnson in focus. With the team well out of the NBA playoffs, the decision making of the NBA great has drawn criticism, particularly the case of retaining Brook Lopez and Julius Randle.

According to the Athletic, the Lakers coaching staff reportedly tried to convince Johnson to retain the two big men last NBA offseason. This was the time when Los Angeles had just signed LeBron James. Instead of re-signing both players, the Lakers ended up adding JaVale McGee, Michael Beasley and Lance Stephenson. Apparently, that move hardly reaped dividends.

McGee and Stephenson have had their share of moments on the floor but not consistently. Beasley hardly made an impact and was eventually traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. The 30-year-old forward would end up being waived and end up going back to the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).

The sudden throwback to that executive decision comes at the heels of a disastrous NBA season for the purple and gold. Despite having James, the Lakers actually put themselves in a deeper hole when they tried to pull off a ridiculous trade for Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans. That trade never materialized and left the Lakers in disarray. After the NBA All-Star break, Los Angeles suffered key losses that proved too costly, albeit a coveted NBA playoff spot.

As for Randle and Lopez, the move to their new teams seems to be paying out. Both are enjoying productive seasons for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Pelicans, the Bleacher Report reported.

Tied up to the questionable decision-making of the Lakers is the fate of head coach Luke Walton. There are murmurs that he may be axed at the end of the 2018-19 NBA season although nothing has been set in stone.

Similar to the case of Lopez and Randle, there are Lakers officials who advocate for him. It seems pretty similar to that now-controversial decision made by Johnson the last offseason. If the Lakers great follows the same path, it could very well place him in yet another precarious position.

Johnson is likely making his assessment and conferring with general manager Rob Pelinka and team owner Jeanie Buss. It is not an easy decision to make but crucial especially if the Lakers continue to falter and get back their winning ways.