The Los Angeles Lakers nabbed prized Golden State Warriors assistant coach Luke Walton in an effort to turn their fortune around next season. The Lakers finished with the worst record in the West, 17-65 and it would be interesting to see if Walton can do a better job than Byron Scott.
Despite being discouraged by people in his circle not to take the head coaching job and stay with the Warriors until the right opportunity comes along, Walton saw the offer as something he cannot refuse, ESPN reported. According to correspondent Ramona Shelburne, Walton always saw himself as a Laker as he spent eight years of his career with the team.
Also, the money that a head coach can demand is something Walton looked at as well, the site added. More importantly, Walton believes the Lakers just have the right pieces for him to build around. He sees D'Angelo Russell and Julius Randle as potential All-Stars plus they have promising youngsters in Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. as well.
The Lakers also have enough cap space to go after a marquee free agent in the off-season and as his peers in Golden State described the young head coach, he is someone who can get through with anyone. He is said to have made a mark on everyone in the locker room, from the 68 year-old Ron Adams to 20 year-old rookie Kevon Looney.
With such an intangible asset, some of his players in Golden State might just consider following Walton to LA, Golden State of Mind reported. With the Dubs lacking enough cap space, they may be forced to let some of their young guns Harrison Barnes and Festus Ezeli walk.
Barnes, who rejected Golden State's offer last season, is looking for a max contract while Ezeli can demand a sizeable contract as well for proving himself as a defensive stalwart this season. The Lakers have enough room to give two max contracts plus the positions both players will fill are spots the Lakers need to fill badly.
Here is more on Luke Walton signing with the Lakers courtesy of Laker Talk.