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Los Angeles Lakers: Top Candidates To Replace Byron Scott

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 13, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Connecticut Huskies head coach Kevin Ollie cuts the net after defeated the Memphis Tigers 72-58 to win the AAC Conference tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Connecticut Huskies head coach Kevin Ollie cuts the net after defeated the Memphis Tigers 72-58 to win the AAC Conference tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 20, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Golden State Warriors interim coach Luke Walton questions a call during the second half of a game against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center. The Golden State Warriors won 125-94. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Golden State Warriors interim coach Luke Walton questions a call during the second half of a game against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center. The Golden State Warriors won 125-94. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Luke Walton

Arguably the hottest name on the coaching market is Golden State Warriors assistant Luke Walton. He did a tremendous job in relief of the injured Steve Kerr, accumulating a record of 39-4 in 43 games as the interim head coach.

With direct ties to the Los Angeles Lakers, Walton is both on the radar and a rational candidate.

The Warriors got off to a historic 24-0 start under Walton, which stands as the longest winning streak to open a season in NBA history. Some may feel that Walton isn’t ready for a head coaching job, but a 24-0 start to 2015-16 was quite the way to put his name on the map.

Having played for the Lakers from 2003 to 2012, winning championships in 2009 and 2010, Walton’s experience in Los Angeles certainly helps his case, as well.

One can’t help but wonder if the young Lakers would benefit more from playing for a coach with experience. Walton has never been a head coach at any level—not college, Europe, or the NBA—and only has two full seasons as an assistant.

If the Lakers believe that a young coach is what’s needed to relate to the players and create a winning culture, however, Walton is the obvious candidate to go with.

Next: The Man On Campus

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