LA Lakers say Luke Walton will be team's new head coach

KGO

Golden State Warriors interim head coach Luke Walton during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Boston, Friday, Dec. 11, 2015. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

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

OFFICIAL: Lakers Announce Agreement With Luke Walton to Become New Head Coach: https://t.co/FNUOe1uCZ0
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 30, 2016

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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