Former Golden State Warriors interim coach Luke Walton tries to make a point with referee Michael Smith (38) in the first quarter of a preseason game against the Denver Nuggets at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California on October 13, 2015. The Nuggets defeated the the Warriors 114-103. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI |
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Luke Walton admits it was a difficult decision to leave the Golden State Warriors but feels he is up to the challenge to take over as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers reached a contract agreement on a multiyear deal Friday night with the 36-year-old former player and Golden State assistant coach. Walton will remain on the Warriors' staff for the remainder of the team's playoff run. The Warriors opened their second-round playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.
"It was a tough decision, but I didn't have to sleep on it because I already kind of thought it out," said Walton, who addressed the media Saturday for the first time since being hired by the Lakers. "Obviously, I love that the past two years, the players here are incredible, not just talent-wise, but the people they are. I love the coaching staff I work with here."
NBA coaching sources told ESPN's Marc Stein that Walton landed a five-year deal with the Lakers, with four years guaranteed, at an annual salary between $5 million and $6 million, depending on incentives.
Walton served as the Warriors' interim head coach at the start of this season and led the team to a 39-4 record, including an NBA-record 24-0 start, before coach Steve Kerr returned after recovering from back surgery.
"I was a little nervous about making the phone call because we have such a good thing going here, and I respect (Kerr) so much," Walton said. "But he was blown away. He couldn't believe how quickly it had happened, but he was so excited. It was like two friends talking. He was really, really happy for me, the opportunity. We had that call, and I was at his house three hours later."
Kerr obviously will miss Walton, the son of Hall of Famer Bill Walton.
"Luke called me maybe around 4 o'clock or so," Kerr said, "and said, 'I got good news and bad news.' I said, 'What's the good news?' He said, 'The Lakers offered me the job.' I said, 'What's the bad news?' He said, 'I took it.' I said, 'You're right. That is bad news. We're going to miss you.'"
Kerr was asked what advice he would give to Walton.
"I'm gonna say it's too bad you don't have Steph and Klay and Draymond anymore," said Kerr, smiling. "You're on your own, pal.
"No, Luke and I will have a lifetime friendship, and we will undoubtedly share ideas and thoughts, coaching-wise, that kind of thing."
Walton will be leaving a team that won an NBA-record 73 games this season as the Warriors chase their second straight title.
The Lakers are coming off a franchise-worst 17-65 season, but Walton said he is ready for the challenge.
"(The Lakers) laid it all out. They showed what they want to do, players they plan on going after, all that stuff," Walton said. "That's exciting to me. Get to be with one of the greatest organizations in the history of sports, and they're ready and willing to get after it."
Lakers legend Magic Johnson welcomed the team's new hire.
"Luke Walton was a champion as a player and an asst. coach and he will bring that championship mindset & attitude to the @Lakers organization," Johnson tweeted Saturday.
