Luke Walton has been named the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, the team announced Friday.
The Lakers and the 36-year-old former player agreed to a multi-year contract set to begin at the end of the Golden State Warriors season, where Walton is currently an assistant coach, according to a news release from the team.
“We’re excited to bring Luke back to Los Angeles, where we feel he’s going to start an outstanding coaching career,” General Manager Mitch Kupchak stated. “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.”
Walton will be the 26th head coach in franchise history, the release stated.