The Lakers are completing the beginning steps of their coaching search by pursuing someone both familiar by name and intriguing by potential.
The Golden State Warriors have granted the Lakers permission to interview assistant Luke Walton once their first-round series ends against the Houston Rockets.
Walton’s schedule could become relatively more flexible if the Warriors eliminate the Houston Rockets in Game 5 of their first-round series in Oakland on Wednesday.
If that happens, the Warriors would not play again until the Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers finish their first-round series that is currently tied, 2-2. If the Clippers and Blazers settle their series after Game 6 on Friday, the Warriors would face the winner beginning on Sunday.