Walton interview with Lakers OK'd by Warriors
OAKLAND, Calif. — The Los Angeles Lakers received permission from the Golden State Warriors to interview top assistant Luke Walton for their coaching vacancy.
Golden State coach Steve Kerr said Wednesday before Game 5 of the playoffs against Houston that Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak contacted Warriors GM Bob Myers, who said Walton could interview once the Warriors’ first-round series with the Houston Rockets is done.
The Warriors held a 3-1 advantage in the best-of-seven series going into Wednesday.
Walton, 36, won two championships as a player during his nine seasons playing for the Lakers. He guided Golden State to an NBA record 24-0 start this season while filling in for Kerr when Kerr was on a leave of absence following complications from two back surgeries.
Overall, Walton was 39-4 while Kerr was out, and he finished eighth in Coach of the Year voting.
Los Angeles fired Byron Scott on Sunday night.
