Lakers hire Walton as new head coach

The Lakers reached an agreement with Warriors assistant Luke Walton to become their head coach.

The Los Angeles Lakers have reached an agreement with Golden State assistant Luke Walton to become their head coach.

The Lakers made the announcement Friday night, five days after firing Byron Scott.

Walton will join the Lakers after the Warriors’ playoff run. The 36-year-old former Lakers forward returns to become the 26th head coach in franchise history.

Walton became a top candidate for coaching jobs earlier this season when he led Golden State to a 39-4 record as the interim head coach.

MAVS’ WILLIAMS TO TEST FREE AGENCY

Deron Williams is expected to opt out of the final season of his two-year contract, making him a free-agent on July 1, according to The Dallas Morning News.

The news is not surprising. Most players who have the chance to opt out this summer will do so because virtually every team has plenty of money to spend under the skyrocketing salary cap.

In Williams’ case, he was due $5.6 million next season. He’s also will get the remainder of his buyout from the Brooklyn Nets in 2016-17, about $14 million. At 31, Williams will be looking for a longer-term deal. It’s possible Williams could return to the Mavericks. He had a productive first season in Dallas and said earlier this week it was among the happiest seasons he’s had.

Chandler Parsons already has said he will exercise his option to become a free agent this summer.

The one exception to testing free agency is expected to be Dirk Nowitzki, who has one more season on his three-year deal.