Now that the Kobe Bryant farewell tour is over with and he’s enjoying retirement, it’s time for the Los Angeles Lakers to begin the next chapter in the franchise’s history.
The Lakers took their first step in the right direction last week by firing Byron Scott, who was clearly bad for the team’s young players like D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle.
Los Angeles has now made another incredibly wise decision. According to reports, the Lakers have agreed to terms with former Laker and current Golden State Warriors assistant coach, Luke Walton.
BREAKING NEWS: @Lakers, Luke Walton reach multi-year agreement to make him next head coach. https://t.co/lxf7J3JTP3 pic.twitter.com/PRnzu4FpsS
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) April 30, 2016
Walton, 36, retired from playing in the NBA in 2013 after a mediocre career. Walton didn’t inherit his father Bill’s Hall of Fame skillset, but it was clear that even as a substandard player, he had the basketball IQ of an All-Star.
Just two and a half years ago, Walton was a D-League assistant coach and part time television analyst.
What a difference 2.5 years made for Luke Walton. D-League assistant/TV analyst to Lakers head coach https://t.co/91UeoVpkZa
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 30, 2016
But he paid his dues this season while filling in for Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, and now he’s the head coach of the most popular basketball team in the world.
Terms of the deal have yet to be released.