Warriors assistant coach Luke Walton has reportedly agreed to be the next head coach of the Lakers
There have been many happy days in the history of the Los Angeles Lakers organization. There are rows of banners hanging in Staples Center that can prove that. In fact, fans just experienced a special moment just over two weeks ago in Kobe Bryant’s final NBA game. However, they say that the light shines the brightest after the darkest hour, which is why Friday night might be one of the happiest moments in Lakers history.
Luke Walton is coming home to Los Angeles.
After the Golden State Warriors agreed to allow Mitch Kupchak and the Lakers front office to meet with the Walton after their first round series, Howard Beck of Bleacher Report is reporting that the former Lakers forward and the Lakers have agreed to make Walton the next head coach of the Lakers:
Luke Walton has agreed to become the next head coach of the Lakers, sources tell BR.
— Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) April 30, 2016
As the Lakers were suffering through another season with Byron Scott at the helm this past year, fans couldn’t help but look longingly at the sideline of the defending NBA champs at Walton. Not only is a he a guy with Lakers ties that understands the weight that comes with being part of this organization, but he also proved his coaching acumen as he filled in as the interim head coach in Golden State as Steve Kerr recovered from back surgery—or at least proved it enough to deserve a shot at his first head coaching gig.
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And now the Lakers are going to give him just that. Though this is his first legitimate head coaching job, the notion of Walton bringing his concepts he learned with the Warriors and instituting them with the talented young roster in LA in addition to adding big pieces this offseason instills a great sense of hope among the fans.
Welcome home, Luke.