The Los Angeles Lakers parted ways with Byron Scott last week after a franchise-worst 17-65 record. Now, with Kobe Bryant officially retired and a head coaching vacancy, Los Angeles can really begin its rebuilding process.
The first order of business is to replace Scott, who went just 38-126 in two seasons as L.A.'s head coach. There appears to be a handful of solid candidates on the market right now, but the Lakers are starting with just one.
The Golden State Warriors will allow the Lakers to interview assistant coach Luke Walton when the schedule permits. The Warriors just knocked the Houston Rockets out of the post-season and are preparing for round two while reigning MVP Stephen Curry rehabs an MCL sprain in his knee.
Steve Kerr, who was named NBA Coach of the Year earlier this week, revealed that Walton is free to talk with L.A. in the near future.
"We told Mitch that he's perfectly welcome to talk to Luke as soon as the series is over and we have a little break," Kerr said of Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak.
Walton spent eight-plus seasons as a player with the Lakers and is considered to be one of the frontrunners for the open position. However, San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Ettore Messina is also rumored to be among the favorites. Messina built up an impressive coaching track record in Europe, joining L.A. as a consultant during the 2011-12 season. His two years of experience working with Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich likely doesn't hurt his case, either.
The Lakers are reportedly searching for a coach who can help develop their young players (Julius Randle, D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, etc.) while also improving their recruiting power in free agency. However, the storied franchise will not be handing over personnel control to whomever is tabbed as the next coach. Even Phil Jackson had to stomach that rule during his time in L.A.
L.A. is also planning on interviewing former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt, as well as UCONN's Kevin Ollie.
Speaking of Walton at Kerr's coach of the year news conference earlier this week, Warriors GM Bob Myers said: This guy deserves a lot of credit, too."
Follow Brandon Katz at @Great_Katzby
