The Lakers on Friday announced the hiring of Warriors assistant Luke Walton to be their new coach, and the team was "so sure of Walton that he was the only candidate they interviewed," according to a source cited by Baxter Holmes of ESPN.com. Walton, who was a "fan favorite when he played nine seasons for the Lakers," replaces outgoing coach Bryon Scott. The 36-year old Walton will "become the youngest active head coach in the NBA." The Lakers "aren't considered to be the most modern-minded franchise, so Walton will have to assist in installing a new culture that helps them turn the page from their past ... to whatever successful future he hopes to forge." The Warriors are a "well-oiled machine with total buy-in, a modern-day top-down philosophy, a confluence of so many good elements," while the Lakers "are none of that." A source said, "The number one thing is this. The Lakers are dysfunctional as an organization. A coach can't change this" (ESPN.com, 4/29).
WELCOME HOME: In California, Bill Oram noted Walton in his interview with GM Mitch Kupchak and VP/Basketball Operations Jim Buss "quizzed his soon-to-be bosses about the organization's vision for the future, touching on their plans for free agency." Walton said, "It's exciting to me, to get with one of the greatest organizations in the history of sports and they're ready and willing to go after it, whatever it takes. That's an exciting time" (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 5/1). The REGISTER's Oram noted there was "deliberate and decisive action" on the Lakers' part. The team "had a plan, they executed it." By hiring Walton the Lakers "manufactured some positive momentum" (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 4/30). In California, Jeff Miller wrote the reaction to Walton's hiring "was swift and sugary" and on Twitter the announcement was met with "loving anticipation." Basketball HOFer Magic Johnson "predicted the team's new coach would 'bring that championship mindset' back to the Lakers." The decision to "hire Walton was an instantly popular one" (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 5/1).
MORE THAN JUST A FACE: SI.com's Ben Golliver noted Walton "appeals to the Lakers' traditional desires: familiarity, glamour and splash," and he is a "recognizable and handsome face." Walton is a "well-respected member of the Lakers family" and "happens to be a hot commodity." The Lakers have been "all over the map in recent years, struggling to establish a clear vision following" the '13 death of Owner Jerry Buss. The team's "massive fan base will welcome [Walton] back with open arms" (SI.com, 4/30). In L.A., Mark Heisler wrote Walton is "Laker Family" and he will bring the Warriors' "Showtime-on-rocket fuel" offense to the team. Lakers Exec VP/Business Operations Jeanie Buss has "overall charge but isn't a basketball person -- and knows it." She will surely bring Knicks President Phil Jackson, her fiance, "back next summer if he's available with an out in his Knick contract" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 5/1).
