Luke Walton and Lakers agree to part ways, Lue and Williams frontrunners

The Los Angeles Lakers and Luke Walton have mutually agreed to part ways after three seasons together, the team announced on Friday afternoon.

Former Lakers president Magic Johnson told reporters on Tuesday that his preference to fire Luke Walton, against the wishes of Jeanie Buss, was a reason that he quit the job. Now Walton is out anyway, but he’s not without his suitors. Both the Sacramento Kings and Cleveland Cavaliers have a strong interest in him.

As for the Lakers job two big names are leading candidates, including a face very familiar in the LeBron universe, former Cavs head coach Ty Lue, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Ty Lue is a strong frontrunner for the Lakers coaching job, league sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 12, 2019

Another well-known former head coach who will get a look is current 76ers assistant Monty Williams.

Sixers assistant Monty Williams joins Ty Lue as the central candidates in the Lakers search, league sources tell ESPN. Process is expected to center on them.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 12, 2019

Williams last was the head coach for the New Orleans Pelicans and has a strong relationship with another Klutch Sports star: Anthony Davis. Williams is also an assistant coach on the United States Men’s National Team.