Luke Walton a frontrunner for Kings job after Joerger firing

Even as the Los Angeles Lakers are dealing with the aftermath of Magic Johnson’s sudden departure, one of their employees is desired by another California-based NBA team.

The Sacramento Kings made a slightly surprising decision on Thursday as Vlade Divac elected to fire head coach Dave Joerger after the Kings finished with a 39-win season, their highest win-total in 13 seasons, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Kings GM Vlade Divac is planning to fire coach Dave Joerger in a face-to-face meeting today, league sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 11, 2019

And according to Sacramento-based NBA insider Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Kings have their sights set on embattled Lakers head coach Luke Walton.

Can confirm @wojespn report that Kings GM Vlade Divac will fire coach Dave Joerger today. Lakers coach Luke Walton – if available – is the clear frontrunner here, per sources. Former New Orleans coach Monty Williams is also a strong candidate, as is Spurs asst. Ettore Messina.

— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) April 11, 2019

Walton, as it stands, is still the coach of the Lakers and nobody is quite sure what happens next. Reports surfaced yesterday that Rob Pelinka became more powerful in the wake of Johnson’s resignation, but it’s unclear what Pelinka’s plans for Walton are.

Also, it’s worth noting that Johnson cited the potential firing of Walton as a reason why he quit his job. Jeanie Buss’ strong support of Walton may be what’s keeping him in Purple and Gold.