Kupchak wasn’t the only one praising Walton, who averaged 4.9 points and 2.3 assists in nine seasons with the Lakers.
Advertisement
The Los Angeles Lakers have themselves a new head coach.
The Warriors gave Walton permission to interview with the Lakers after Golden State defeated the Houston Rockets in the first-round of the Western Conference playoff series.
Walton was the Lakers’ first choice. The Warriors will allow Walton to interview for the position while they wait for their second round matchup.
With Steve Kerr dealing with complications following offseason back surgery, Walton took over the Warriors to start the 2015-16 campaign and led the defending champions to a 24-0 start and 39-4 record before Kerr returned to the bench.
“I think he should have been higher”, Golden State power forward Draymond Green said. Sources said he had drawn serious interest from the Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks in their coaching searches.
“We are thrilled for Luke”, said Warriors GM Bob Myers.
The Los Angeles Lakers announced late Friday night that they had reached a multi-year agreement with Luke Walton to become their next head coach.
Walton finished eighth in coach of the year voting this season. “He’s certainly ready for this opportunity and I’m confident he’ll do a great job with the Lakers once our season is complete”.
The L.A. Lakers are not just looking to rebuild their roster after the worst season in franchise history, but their coaching staff as well.
After going 45-37 in 2012-13, the Lakers won only 27 games the following season, which prompted the firing of then-coach Mike D’Antoni.
Kerr also talked about how differently he looks at things because of the pain he’s had to endure this season and what that means for his long-term coaching future. He’s got a brilliant basketball mind and personifies what the Lakers are all about.
Walton, who owns a home in the Los Angeles area, has had a meteoric rise. This would be different from Scott, who employed a “tough love” approach, publicly criticizing the Lakers’ young players. He was a member of the 2009 and 2010 championship teams.
Advertisement
Walton played 10 years of the Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers after being selected by Los Angeles with the 32 overall pick in the 2003 NB Draft.
