NBA - LA Lakers give Luke Walton 5 year deal

A few weeks ago, reports we coming in that a deal was being made that would make Luke Walton the head coach of the LA Lakers. The deal is reportedly going to be contracted for five years, yielding a contract payment of somewhere around $25 million which is 5 million dollars a year. A good looking deal to say the least. Read more here. This may seem like a rather large amount, however Luke Walton previously played for the LA Lakers.

Luke Walton

This means that Walton knows the team well and knows what it's like on the court. Currently Walton is acting as an interim coach for the Warriors (from 2015 to 2016), giving him even some experience as a coach. Having actually played for the Lakers is of massive benefit, he knows where the team has weaknesses and where there are strengths. Walton will be essential for the transition of the team after Kobe Bryant retires.

Luke Walton (2008)

Kobe Bryant (2015)

It will be an interesting transitional period for the Lakers, hopefully a successful one. However with the experience Walton has it should be relatively smooth. However with Kobe Bryant leaving there will be a significant void in the Lakers talent. Hopefully with Walton's guidance some fresh talent can be found. Kobe has had a 20 year career with the Lakers, which in basketball is a huge amount of time. And players usually don't play as long as he has, so it isn't a surprise that he has decided to retire. 

Speaking to Walton's credentials, Walton played for 10 seasons and won 2 NBA championships. In 2015 the Warriors won the NBA Finals and was his first win as a coach. Prospects are looking good for the Lakers, even with Kobe's retirement. Time will tell if the Lakers will thrive under Walton.


Here are some moments from one of Walton's best games: