Lakers choose Luke Walton as next head coach

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Lakers press release:

LAKERS ANNOUNCE AGREEMENT WITH LUKE WALTON TO BECOME NEW HEAD COACH

 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 26^th head coach in franchise history, and the 22^nd 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 32^nd 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.

Top photo of Luke Walton by Claudia Gestro

Press Release