Sports

Lakers hire Warriors assistant Walton as head coach

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers have reached an agreement with Golden State assistant Luke Walton to become their head coach.

The Lakers made the announcement Friday night, five days after firing Byron Scott.

Walton will join the Lakers after the Warriors’ playoff run. The 36-year-old former Lakers forward returns to become the 26th head coach in franchise history.

Walton became a top candidate for coaching jobs earlier this season when he led Golden State to a 39-4 record as the interim head coach, including a spectacular 24-0 start by the defending champions.

He won’t have nearly the same level of talent in Los Angeles, which is rebuilding after the retirement of Kobe Bryant. Scott led the Lakers to the worst two seasons in franchise history, going 17-65 this season.

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