MORE: Ranking the playoff coaches | Greatest Lakers of all time “We’re excited to bring Luke back to Los Angeles, where we feel he’s going to start an outstanding coaching career,” Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said in a statement. “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, 36, will take over the Lakers after the Warriors complete their playoff run. He led the Warriors to 39-4 record while filling in for Steve Kerr (back surgery) to start this season, helping the team win an NBA-record 73 games. He replaces Byron Scott, who was fired last week after leading the team to the two worst seasons in franchise history. He inherits a roster without Kobe Bryant but loaded with young talent such as D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle. Walton spent the majority of his NBA playing career with the Lakers, who picked him in the second round of the 2003 NBA Draft.
