http://www.nba.com/2016/news/04/29/...-to-be-head-coach/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt6a Lakers hire Luke Walton as head coach POSTED: Apr 29, 2016 10:22 PM ET Official Release AD EL SEGUNDO — Earlier today, the Los Angeles Lakers and Luke Walton reached an agreement on a multi-year contract for Walton to become the next Head Coach of the team, it was announced by General Manager Mitch Kupchak. Walton will begin his new duties at the conclusion of the Golden State Warriors season. "We're excited to bring Luke back to Los Angeles, where we feel he's going to start an outstanding coaching career," said Kupchak. "He's one of the brightest young coaching minds in the game and we feel fortunate that he'll be leading the on-court future of our team." Walton, 36, will be the 26th head coach in franchise history, and the 22nd in the Los Angeles era. Walton is currently in his second season as an Assistant Coach with the Warriors. Earlier this season, he posted a 39-4 record as interim head coach in Steve Kerr's absence, including a 24-0 start, the best start in NBA history. Walton enjoyed a 10-year NBA playing career (2003-13), averaging 4.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 564 regular season games with the Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers. Originally selected with the 32nd overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, he was a member of championship teams with the Lakers in 2009 and 2010. After his playing career, Walton served as a player development coach for the Los Angeles D-Fenders in the 2013-14 season. He also served as an assistant coach at the University of Memphis during the 2011 NBA lockout.
I hated Luke Walton the player almost as much as Lamar Odom, but I'll give him the same chance I gave Mike Brown. We'll see what happens.
Olshey is the man. A lot of people were skeptical of a failed soap opera actor running an NBA team. But I must say, he's been great. Ok, gotta go watch a real team march on to the 2nd round.
The Clippers didn't want to fuckin' pay the dude who actually began to turn that franchise around. Oh and kiss my ass.
Does he have any talent to build around? Korneiser on pti suggested this might be walking in to a mine field
We've got a "young core" and the league seems to be running to young coaches now. I guess the FO believes that Walton will be able to better relate to Russel, Randle, Clarkson & Nance Jr. better than an old school coach. I'm prepared for the worst.
