NBA News Roundup, Wednesday, April 24th: Russell Westbrook's leadership criticized, Luke Walton wasn't fired by Lakers, and more

Much of the basketball world is currently focusing on the 2019 playoffs, but the post-season is not the only story emerging from the NBA.

Teams are also gearing up for the upcoming draft and potentially pivotal off-seasons. On that note, we take a look at all the latest NBA news you need to know for April 24th.

Luke Walton had the option to remain as head coach of the Lakers

Luke Walton spent three year's as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers

After months of intense speculation, Luke Walton departed as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers last week. Walton's exit came just days after Magic Johnson quit the team -- and it was widely reported that Walton had been fired.

However, Sam Amick of The Athletic is reporting that the Lakers offered Walton the chance to remain in his role as head coach:

After former Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson stepped down in such stunning fashion on April 9, sources say Walton was given the chance to stay on as head coach in a subsequent meeting that included owner Jeanie Buss. But Walton, who was already aware that Buss had given Johnson the full authority to fire him and who had long harbored concerns about general manager Rob Pelinka’s style, was ready to head for the exits himself.

Despite the addition of LeBron James, Walton was unable to guide the Lakers to a first playoff appearance since 2013. During his three seasons as head coach, Walton posted a losing record of 98-148, although he was praised for his work developing the Lakers' much talked about young core.

Since leaving the Lakers, Walton has been hired as coach of the Sacramento Kings -- although he has this week been hit with sexual assault allegations.

Igor Kokoskov fired as head coach of the Phoenix Suns

Igor Kokoskov has exited his role as the Phoenix Suns head coach after just one year

Following a disappointing season, Igor Kokoskov has been fired as the head coach of the Phoenix Suns. The Serbian was only appointed last summer, but the Suns finished the 2018-19 season with a 19-63 record, which was the worst in the entire Western Conference.

In addition to a poor season, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the Suns fired Kokoskov due to their desire to pursue Monty Williams:

The timing on the dismissal of Kokoskov, the first European-born NBA head coach, was partly rooted in a desire to compete against the Los Angeles Lakers in pursuit of Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Monty Williams.

While the Suns have seemingly identified Williams as the man to lead the team forward, they face an uphill task in convincing him that the Suns are in a better position to compete than the Los Angeles Lakers.

Russell Westbrook's ability to lead the Thunder criticized

Russell Westbrook has struggled in his matchup against Lillard

Russell Westbrook has struggled throughout the 2019 playoffs and ESPN's Stephen A. Smith believes the Oklahoma City Thunder will struggle to win with Westbrook leading the team:

It appears to be no at this particular moment of time, it appears to be no. Not if Russell Westbrook is your number one option, not if he’s your leader. Nobody would sense with questioning the talent of Russell Westbrook. We know he’s an elite talent, he’s Superstar caliber talent, but when you play the point guard position and you’re ball-dominant, meaning you’re running the offense and most of the stuff is in your hand, that means a decision making is also on your shoulders, not just your prowess as an athlete and as an individual talent

During his 11 years with the organisation, Westbrook has reached the NBA Finals once, although he has failed to lead the team past the first round of the playoffs since Kevin Durant's departure back in 2016.