About a week after announcing that Byron Scott will not be returning as head coach next season, the Los Angeles Lakers did not take long to find a replacement. It was announced late Friday night that the team will hire current Golden State Warriors assistant coach Luke Walton. The two sides reportedly agreed to a mulityear deal Friday night.
As a player, Walton spent nine seasons with the Lakers, including winning two championships in 2009 and 2010. The former Laker guard will now become the team's 26th coach in franchise history.
Walton retired three years ago, and has since been an assistant with the Warriors. The team granted him permission to interview with Los Angeles following their series win over the Houston Rockets. Walton spoke highly of his time with the Warriors and head coach Steve Kerr, stating "I'll forever be grateful to him, the organization and the team."
He then stated his long-time wish to be a head coach in the league, and his former team is giving him that opportunity. Walton was the Lakers' first choice and the only candidate they interviewed.
The 36-year-old showed a little of what he could do as a head coach, leading the Warriors to a 39-4 record, including the 24-0 start to their historic season. Walton was tabbed as the interim coach while Kerr recovered from two back surgeries.
His mentor, Kerr, won the coach of the year honors, but Walton finished eighth in the balloting. He also drew interest from the Kings and the Knicks, but no one could beat where he played most of his career.
Walton replaces Scott, who was fired after going 38-126 in two seasons with the team, including 17-65 this past season. The one key difference this season for L.A.: no Kobe Bryant. Without his former teammate, Walton will look to lead the Lakers into their next era of basketball.
As a player, Walton spent nine seasons with the Lakers, including winning two championships in 2009 and 2010. The former Laker guard will now become the team's 26th coach in franchise history.
Walton retired three years ago, and has since been an assistant with the Warriors. The team granted him permission to interview with Los Angeles following their series win over the Houston Rockets. Walton spoke highly of his time with the Warriors and head coach Steve Kerr, stating "I'll forever be grateful to him, the organization and the team."
He then stated his long-time wish to be a head coach in the league, and his former team is giving him that opportunity. Walton was the Lakers' first choice and the only candidate they interviewed.
The 36-year-old showed a little of what he could do as a head coach, leading the Warriors to a 39-4 record, including the 24-0 start to their historic season. Walton was tabbed as the interim coach while Kerr recovered from two back surgeries.
His mentor, Kerr, won the coach of the year honors, but Walton finished eighth in the balloting. He also drew interest from the Kings and the Knicks, but no one could beat where he played most of his career.
Walton replaces Scott, who was fired after going 38-126 in two seasons with the team, including 17-65 this past season. The one key difference this season for L.A.: no Kobe Bryant. Without his former teammate, Walton will look to lead the Lakers into their next era of basketball.
