LA Lakers Rumors: Luke Walton Officially Chosen As New Head Coach

Without giant players like Kobe Bryant, the slate is finally cleared for Byron Scott's replacement who is expected to rebuild a fragmented and dysfunctional Lakers after record-worst performance in the past two seasons. On Friday, Luke Walton has nodded to a multi-year coaching deal after serving Golden State Warriors as assistant coach.

The 36-year-old Californian native is set to assume the position as the franchise's 26th coach in its NBA history. Walton is pretty much well-versed to the Lakers environment as he spent nine years playing for the team with two championship rings and consistent contributor to the Lakers' ascent to championship ladder.

After constant prodding from Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak, Golden State granted him the permission to meet up with the purple and gold team after the Warriors opening round in the playoff series with the Rockets.

"We're excited to bring Luke back to Los Angeles, where we feel he's going to start an outstanding coaching career," Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak said in an official statement as per USA Today report. "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."

The Warriors assistant coach has always been on Lakers' talent radar. Had he decided otherwise, San Antonio assistant Ettore Messina is likely to pick the job offer. Following Golden State's 39-4 record plus 24-0 start as an interim coach while Steve Kerr was away for back surgeries, the former Lakers player has steadily risen through the ranks which made a valuable target for acquisition.

"I loved everything about my time at Golden State and learning from Steve [Kerr]," Walton said as quoted by ESPN. "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."

How did the Golden State franchise react to Luke Walton becoming LA Lakers coach?

Warriors GM Bob Meyers and head coach Steve Kerr are quite happy with Walton's decision as being coach is apparently the next big step for him. Their reactions are quoted here as per NBA.com:

Bob Meyers: "We are thrilled for Luke. This is a tremendous opportunity for him to return home and serve as head coach for one of the most storied franchises in sports. Luke has done an incredible job during his two-year stint with our team and has played a significant role in our success, including last year's championship and again this season under some very unique circumstances."

Steve Kerr: "I'm incredibly happy for Luke. As we witnessed earlier this season, he has all of the intangibles necessary to be an outstanding head coach in this league, including a terrific understanding of the game (and) the ability to communicate with a wide range of people."