When the Lakers announced their new head coach, Luke Walton, on Friday night, it naturally led to plenty of chatter throughout the NBA.
Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak expressed his thoughts in a statement, as did Golden State GM Bob Meyers and head coach Steve Kerr.
Mitch Kupchak “We’re excited to bring Luke back to Los Angeles, where we feel he’s going to start an outstanding coaching career. 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.”
Bob Meyers “We are thrilled for Luke. This is a tremendous opportunity for him to return home and serve as head coach for one of the most storied franchises in sports. Luke has done an incredible job during his two-year stint with our team and has played a significant role in our success, including last year’s championship and again this season under some very unique circumstances. We are certainly going to miss Luke after we conclude our playoff run this season, but we wish him the very best with the Lakers.”
Steve Kerr “I’m incredibly happy for Luke. As we witnessed earlier this season, he has all of the intangibles necessary to be an outstanding head coach in this league, including a terrific understanding of the game (and) the ability to communicate with a wide range of people. He’s certainly ready for this opportunity and I’m confident he’ll do a great job with the Lakers once our season is complete.”
Others took to social media to express their thoughts on Walton’s hiring. From Lakers Owners Jeanie and Joey Buss to Walton’s father, Bill, there was plenty of reaction to the announcement of the franchise’s 26th head coach.
Congrats to my fellow Wildcat Luke Walton on being named the Lakers new head coach! #UofA #LukeWalton #Lakers #BearDown #Arizona
Congrats Luke Walton! Special thanks to Joe Lacob & @PeterGuber @warriors for granting permission to @Lakers to discuss during playoffs
Luke!!!! I remember hiring him almost 3 years ago for @DFenders! Love him!
Luke Walton the new @Lakers head coach!! That’s awesome!! So fired up for Luke! He will do an outstanding job!!
Welcome back, coach! pic.twitter.com/iZ6Y0ri36Z
Luuuuuuukkkee!! Welcome Back! @Lakers #GoLakers #Hu Ren Jia You https://t.co/WMZjrjSgnr
Luuuuuuuuuuuukkkkkkkkeeeeee @Lakers @LakersNation
Who would have ever thought that little Luke Walton would be the head coach of the Lakers, so happy for him pic.twitter.com/DjBQA4jnYe
Congratulations to Luke Walton on becoming the new Head Coach of the @Lakers! >> https://t.co/1iopbeouDj pic.twitter.com/STSGIgOUQN
