Luke Walton was hired by Mitch Kupchak and Jim Buss, but a source close to Walton says one of the best things to happen to him was the hiring of Rob Pelinka and Magic Johnson.

Walton and Pelinka meet before every game to discuss basketball and life.

Walton has known Pelinka and Johnson for years, and the three appear to be in sync on their vision of rebuilding the Lakers.

"[There's] a little more confidence in him [this season], which is well deserved and we all love to see it," Larry Nance Jr. said. "By the way he commands his huddles, calls out different things, there is a lot more certainty behind it. He's definitely gotten more comfortable in the role."

Walton says he is much more comfortable and has more patience in his second year with a "clearer vision of where we are going."