The Lakers reportedly decided to lock Luke Walton’s coaching services up after he “killed” his six hour interview
The wait is finally over as the Los Angeles Lakers made it official signing Luke Walton as their new head coach on Friday afternoon.
Even just a few hours before the announcement, the Lakers were rumored to have interviews set up with an abundance of coaches ranging from Ettore Messina to Derek Fisher, so needless to say, the fact that they ended up hiring Walton today was a pleasant surprise to all.
Walton killed interview with Jim Buss & Mitch Kupchak, showing all he has learned about coaching. Lakers decided to lock him up immediately.
— KEVIN DING (@KevinDing) April 30, 2016
According to Bleacher Report’s LA reporter, Kevin Ding, Los Angeles decided to “lock him up immediately” after he “killed” his interview with owner, Jim Buss and general manager, Mitch Kupchak.
The move was so impressive that even Boston loyalist, Bill Simmons, had to praise the Purple and Gold’s decision to hire Walton.
I hate the Lakers and just can't find it in me to hate on the Luke Walton hiring. It's the first smart Lakers move in like 4 years.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) April 30, 2016
ESPN’s, Ramona Shelburne, revealed that the Lakers’ brass met with Walton in Oakland on Thursday and decided to cancel all interviews after being wowed by the former Laker forward.
"Luke Walton was the Lakers first choice and the only candidate they interviewed, source tells ESPN. They had other meetings lined up but cancelled them after yesterday’s interview with Walton in Oakland."
Lakers hire of Luke Walton is like match process in medical school. He was their first choice, they were his top choice. Done deal.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) April 30, 2016
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Shelburne also reported Walton’s comments immediately after accepting the job,
"I loved everything about my time at Golden State and learning from Steve. I’ll forever be grateful to him, the organization and the team. But I have always dreamed of being a head coach and the chance to do that for an organization like the Lakers doesn’t come around very often."
Walton was relatively tight lipped when it came to talking about head coaching opportunities so to hear his statements about always dreaming of being a head coach, and that the opportunity in LA was too big to pass up was interesting to say the least.
Next: Lakers Officially Make Luke Walton the New Head Coach
Now that the Lakers head coaching search is done, the organization can now focus on the upcoming NBA draft and what they plan to do with the roster going forward.