Los Angeles Lakers ‘part ways’ with coach Luke Walton after three seasons

Despite (mostly) steady annual improvement since a franchise-worst 17 wins in 2015-16, save for this drama-filled and injury-riddled campaign, the Los Angeles Lakers parted ways with Walton Friday following his third season at the helm and first directing LeBron James, calling it a mutual agreement in the press release. "We would like to thank Luke for his dedicated service over the last three years," Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said in a Friday news dump of a statement. "We wish Luke and his family the best of luck moving forward."