Former Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings head coach Luke Walton is joining the Cleveland Cavaliers in an assistant role. The franchise officially confirmed the move on Tuesday.
Walton has familiarity with the Cavaliers’ organization, having played his final two seasons in NBA in Cleveland.
“It’s rare when you can strengthen your staff with someone of similar experiences and a passion for the game of basketball,” said Cavs’ head coach J.B. Bickerstaff in a team-released statement. “Luke is someone who identifies with our five core values as a coach, but also traits he was recognized for as a player, both in college and the NBA.”
Luke Walton had his first coaching experience while still an active player. During a 2011 NBA lockout, Walton served as an assistant coach at the University of Memphis. After retiring from playing in 2013, Walton decided to pursue coaching full-time and joined the Lakers’ NBA Development League affiliate.
Walton then joined the Golden State Warriors in 2014 to work under Steve Kerr. The Warriors also gave him his first taste of head coaching at the start of the 2015-16 season, as he stepped in for Kerr, who took a lengthy leave of absence due to back issues. In games Walton served as head coach, Golden State went 39–4.
Walton’s great job with the Warriors prompted the Lakers to hire him as his head coach ahead of the 2016-17 season. However, he failed to bring the same success to LA and was fired after missing the playoffs in all three seasons in charge.
The most recent job Walton had was with the Kings, where he also failed to make the postseason in two seasons and was fired after a 6-11 start in 2021-22.
