Warriors excited for Walton's new gig with the Lakers

The Golden State Warriors are losing a major part of their coaching staff next season, and they couldn't be more excited.

Assistant coach Luke Walton agreed to a multi-year deal Friday to become the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, leaving the Warriors after spending the last two seasons there.

"We are thrilled for Luke," Warriors general manager Bob Myers told reporters. "This is a tremendous opportunity for him to return home and serve as head coach for one of the most storied franchises in sports. Luke has done an incredible job during his two-year stint with our team and has played a significant role in our success."

Walton received exposure as a head coach at the NBA level after filling in for Steve Kerr to start this season after the Warriors head coach was limited following back surgery. Golden State went 39-4 under Walton and eventually set the NBA single-season record with 73 wins.

"I'm incredibly happy for Luke," Kerr said. "As we witnessed earlier this season, he has all of the intangibles necessary to be an outstanding head coach in this league, including a terrific understanding of the game the ability to communicate with a wide range of people. He's certainly ready for this opportunity and I'm confident he'll do a great job with the Lakers once our season is complete."

Despite not being officially credited with any of the wins, as rules permit those to be carried over to Kerr, Walton still managed to finish eighth in NBA Coach of the Year voting.

"It is impressive for an assistant coach," Warriors forward Draymond Green said. "I think he should have been higher."

The 36-year-old becomes the youngest coach in the NBA and the 26th head coach in Lakers franchise history.