Lakers say thanks and farewell to coach Walton
The Los Angeles Lakers continued their clearout after a disastrous first season following the arrival of LeBron James by terminating the contract of coach Luke Walton on Friday.
Where to now: coach Luke Walton and the struggling Lakers agreed to part . GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/Harry How
The club said they had mutually agreed to part ways.
“We would like to thank Luke for his dedicated service over the last three years,” said General Manager Rob Pelinka. “We wish Luke and his family the best of luck moving forward.”
Walton, a former Lakers player, had been coach since 2016. The Lakers have failed to reach the playoffs for the last three seasons.
On Tuersday, Magic Johnson plunged the iconic franchise into crisis when he surprisingly quit his post as president. Johnson was reportedly unhappy at the prospect of firing Walton.
The Lakers are the fourth NBA franchise to unload their coach since Wednesday, following Memphis, Sacramento and James’s former team Cleveland.
For more news your way
Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.
