Yesterday afternoon, ESPN published an article in which LaVar Ball once again called out Los Angeles Lakers coach Luke Walton, who he says has lost control of the team.
LaVar's criticism of Walton definitely rubbed some of Walton's colleagues the wrong way, and had other coaches questioning ESPN for bringing attention to the Big Baller's comments.
Prior to yesterday's loss to the New York Knicks, Mavs coach Rick Carlisle bashed ESPN for publishing LaVar Ball's comments in the first place.
Per ESPN,
"As president of the coaches association, I view the recent ESPN article as a disgrace, quite honestly," Carlisle said. "Luke Walton is a terrific, young coach who is bringing along a young team, and it's a difficult task. If you don't believe it, just ask me. We're going through that now and went through that last year."
"Two years ago, he took a veteran team and led them to 24 wins in a row, which is an amazing accomplishment. Off of that, he earned the Laker job. To have to deal with these kinds of ignorant distractions is deplorable."
When asked if he would rather ESPN published news stories based on what coaches will like, Carlisle responded,
"I'm saying that they should look at their sources and do a better job of determining whether they have any merit or any validity. Or are they just blowhard loudmouths?" Carlisle said. "That's what I'm saying. You got that?"
According to Detroit Pistons writer Rod Beard, Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy also felt the way ESPN promoted the article was disrespectful, although he mentioned several times that he doesn't have an issue with LaVar Ball.