Luke Walton out as Lakers head coach

The Associated Press

6 years ago

Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton shouts to his team in the second half during an NBA b ... — Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton shouts to his team in the second half during an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz Tuesday, April 3, 2018, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

Los Angeles Lakers’ head coach Luke Walton, right, talks things over with LeBron James, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, in Philadelphia. The 76ers won 143-120. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers say they have mutually agreed to part ways with coach Luke Walton after three losing seasons.

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka announced Walton’s departure Friday.

The former Lakers forward went 98-148 in his first permanent head coaching job. The former Golden State assistant never led Los Angeles to the playoffs, even with the arrival of LeBron James last summer.

Walton leaves three days after the Lakers ended their 37-45 season with the abrupt resignation of president of basketball operations Magic Johnson.

Johnson attributed his decision in part to his desire to fire Walton, who is close to Lakers owner Jeanie Buss.

Instead, Pelinka announced the move in a possible sign of his increased power with the Lakers after Johnson’s departure.