Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak introduced their new head coach Luke Walton on Tuesday afternoon, less than 48 hours after the Golden State Warriors came up short in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Lakers, who will pick second in the 2016 NBA draft on Thursday had been patiently waiting for Walton to wrap up his second assistant coaching season with the Warriors.
At his introductory press conference, Walton talks about locking down his dream job at such a young age and what he hopes to bring to the Lakers. Walton also discusses his coaching mentors and what he’s learned from both Phil Jackson and Steve Kerr.
With the Lakers needing to make a big push in free agency this offseason, Walton gives his opinion on the state of the franchise and the brand of basketball moving forward. Plus, what are Walton’s impressions of the Lakers young core, plans for the summer and does he expect Kobe Bryant to be around?
And, if you missed our exclusive interview, where Walton talks about his reaction to the Lakers drafting Russell at No. 2 last year, head here.